[seal] [Protection of John Cuningham Ambuscade] BALT·MAR·[undecipherable] Honorable J. McHenry Secretary at War Philad.^a (Baltimore 5. March 1797 Dear Sir: I take the liberty of troubling you with the enclos'd [underline: protection] of John Cuningham, who went from hence Mate of the Schooner Treaty, of Vienna, Italy bound to Jaquemol in October last: On her return to this Port in September She was taken by the Ambuscade Frigate, Captain Tvisdale, onboard of whom M.^r Cuningham is still detain'd. I have now to request the favor of your having this protection forwarded to our Agent in the W. Indies, that M.^r Cuningham may be released, & have an opty. of joining his Family here, who are in great trouble & distress in consequence of his detention. I remain very truly & respectfully P.S. This protection was left Dear Sir Your Ob.^t on board the Treaty, which was [undecipherable: probable reading Wm Macgenny] retaken, & got safe to this place. Hon. J. McHenry Minister of War