To the Honourable James Wallace, Esq., Commander of his Majesty' s Ship Rose, Newport

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Freetown, March 23, 1775.

HONOURABLE SIR: Since my writing the lines on the 21st, by Mr˙ Phillips, many insults and threats are, and have been made against those soldiers which have taken our arms and train, and exercise in the King' s name; and on Monday next the Captains muster at the south part of the Town, when we have great reason to fear thousands of the rebels will attack them, and take our lives, or the King' s arms, or perhaps both. I, Sir, ask the favour of one of His Majesty' s Tenders, or some other vessel of force might be at or near Bowers' , in order if any of our people should be obliged to retreat, they may be taken on board. Nothing but the last extremity will oblige them to quit the ground. I am your obedient, humble servant,

THOMAS GILBERT.