Albany 25. 1^st 1800 D^r Sir on my return here, when I arrived last friday, I rec'd a letter from certain french men who say they are Prisoners of War [strikethrough: detained] confined in the goal of the City of New York — they complain of being [strikethrough: destitute of Clothing and other necessaries] [undecipherable: improper Did undecipherable] and of being improperly treated — as I can depend on your Punctuality I must request the favor of you to inform those Prisoners that I have rec'd their Letter, but that having no authority to interfere with Prisoners of War, I have transmitted their Letter to the Secretary at War. Be pleased to explain to them the Propriety of this Measure — I hope their complaints of improper Treatment are not well founded; and I think the Sheriff would do well to converse with them on the Subject, and to correct whatever he may find [strikethrough: amiss] amiss in their Treatment I am D^r Sir with great Esteem and Regard Your most ob^t Serv^t The Hon^b. Rich^d Varick Esq Mayor of the City of N York albany 25 1^st 1800 Sir which arrived here during my late absence The enclosed Letter is from certain Frenchmen confined in the Goal of the City of New York, and who say they are Prisoners of War. Having no authority to give any directions respecting them I Think it my Duty to transmit their Letter to you, that such measures may be taken as Circumstances may require I have the Honor to be with great Respect & Esteem Sir your most ob^t Serv^t The Hon^b. Sam^l Dexter Esq^r Secretary at War — [To the Mayor of N York and Sec^y at War 25 1^st 1800]