I have the Honor to inform you that it is the Desire of Congress, you would immediately on Receipt of this take effectual Measures to have Brigadier General Prescot secured in safe and close Custody, till further Orders from Congress.(1)

   The Reasons which induced the Congress to give these Orders, are the Information recd. through you from Genl. Montgomery & from the intercepted Letters, by which it appears there is but too just Grounds to believe the General has been a principal Cause of Allen's being put in Irons. But were he innocent in that Matter, Justice & Reason and a Regard for those who risque their Lives in this Cause make it necessary to use the Law of Retaliation, in Order if possible to put a Stop to the Inhumanity of our Enemies.

   By this Conveyance you will receive a Sum of Silver & Gold, a further Sum will be transmitted you when collected. The affairs of your Department are under Consideration, when the Congress have come to a Determination, I shall do myself the pleasure of transmitting it to you.(2) In the mean Time I am Sir, Your most obedt. Servt.

   %%%John Hancock President