I Received your Excellency's Letter of the 12^th. Ins^t. p^r. M^r. Sleymaker.¹ Since which apprehend you have received the Marine Committees desiring your assistance and the continuance of the use of the Boat Dolphin² to the Ship.³ My Ship⁴ is now prepaired to go down again and altho' there is but little probability of geting to Sea, unless, their orders are Contradicted by the return of the next post, and I can have the use of the Boat, I shall make another Attempt. M^r. Sleymaker since my first attempt this Winter has refused acting as a pilot. Since which I have used all my endeavors to procure one both in Virginia and this place to no purpose. Their are several in this place, that has said they coud Run the Ship to Sea from putuxen⁵ in the Night, such a person I want, as I am confident the Ship at present can not be got out otherways. Agreeable to your orders the Dolphin sails this day for Annapolis, and has two of my hands to Assist the Captain⁶ in carrying her round; I forward'd the Committees Letter by the last post, And shoud be glad to have your Excellencys answer as soon as possible, I am [&c.]