Wallingford, Novr. 25th, /65. My dear McLean, I am just come in and find your welcome letter and enclosures many thanks for your kindness in letting me hear quickly of matters which as you know are most interesting to me - The only question raised in yours to which you will expect a reply by this opportunity is in reference to the Prisoners taken in the late engagement. I quite concur with you that letting them go free at the present time is out of the question. I dont know what to say to your idea of letting Morgan take them as slaves - It does not accord with our English view of treating them - But still what will our Govt. do with them - probably nothing at all - I should if possible after disarming them keep them in the meantime under the surveillance of the friendly Natives - Perhaps after all "" which wd. in reality be what they wd. call slavery is the best plan. I am fully sensible of the urgency of your seeing to what is to be done with these Prisoners and also to the necessity of your presence in this District. I wish I could come to your assistance. As it is all I can do is to write and you shall have my more matured digested opinions by the mail. Congratulating you sincerely on the success of your plans I shall close this. H. Russell has just come in and the man wants to be off - In great haste Yours always, J.D. Ormond. P. S. I gather from what you write that my brothers wound is not dangerous and that we need not be anxious about him - Thanks for all your other news. His Lordship blatherskite makes writing impossible. J.D.O.