[From Mr. Richard Sharpe to Mr. Clepp Asquith of Virginia, a Trustee of the Novanglian College of Lucidity]

Canaan, Massachusetts

Sir —

Thank you for your letter of the 2^ndinst. It is with regret that I confirm the report that has come to your ears: The experimental subject has indeed absconded from the property, and, at present, has not been located. It pains me to provide you with this intelligence, for truth should sit with comfort, falsehood with vexation; and yet, in such a case, verity — though discomfortable — is absolutely required. Your forbearance in this matter shall be a testimony to the equilibrium of your temperament, and provide us with yet another example of the amplitude of your generosity.

I may assure you that every pain is currently being taken to find the boy. We have reason to believe that he headed to the east, perhaps planning to join the militia encampments outside the city of Boston. As of this morning, I dispatched two riders to make inquiries in the towns of (a) Roxbury; (b) Charlestown; (c) Cambridge; (d) Salem; and (e) Newburyport, these last being ports of possible embarkation. If he is amongst the militia encampments outside the town, we shall locate him in the next few days — and you will receive full satisfaction from —

Your humble & affectionate servant,

Richard Sharpe, Esq.