This had the desired effect, and he was restored to health in a considerable degree.
Upon the breaking out of the war with this country, all the American coasting trade being destroyed, he took a situation as second mate in the schooner Revenge, bound to France, and was captured on the 10th of May, 1813.
Since that time he has been a prisoner, and, from the enclosed certificates, you will ascertain what has been his conduct.

He is a man of excellent religious principles, and, I firmly believe, of the strictest integrity.

So well assured am I of this that, in case it should be required, _I will hold myself bound to answer for him in my own person_.
His health is suffering by his confinement, and the unprincipled society, which he is obliged to endure, is peculiarly disagreeable to a man of his education.
My object in stating these particulars to you, sir, is (if possible and consistent with the laws of the country), to obtain for him, through your influence, his liberty on his parole of honor.

By so doing you will probably be the means of preserving the life of a good man, and will lay his friends, my father, and myself under the greatest obligations.
Trusting to your goodness to pardon this intrusion upon your time, I am, sir, with the highest consideration, Your most humble, obedient servant, SAMUEL F.B.

MORSE.
To this Mr.Thornton replied:-- DEAR SIR,--You will perceive by the enclosed that there is, unhappily, no prospect of our effecting our wishes in respect to your poor friend at Bristol.