Honourd Sr

As there ware Orders Came to Capt Harding for the Brig Defence to Proceed on A Cruise for three Months & Capt Harding not being Able Gave the Command to Me Acording to Your Honours Orders, I have therefore Got the Brig Ready for Sea so that there is Nothing Wanting but Men, Which there is No Chance of Getting here — We have not More than forty Men now belonging to the Brig & but very few Seamen Amongst them but Shall not be Detaind any on that Account As I think there is Great Prospect of Getting our Compliment at the Vineyard soon — Another Commesion Officer will be very Nesesary on Board As there is but two now Where there formerly Ware four if You think fitt to Appoint Another I Would Recommend to Your Honour Capt Angle of this Place he is A sober, steady, Worthey Man & has been Master of Vessel this twelve Years from this Place & to My Knowledge is A Stout Seaman — such A Man would be of Greate service if it should be our Good Luck to Take A Valuable Prize in Getting of her In to Port As he is Well Acquainted With All the Co[a]st I Am Your Honours [&c.]

NB I Shall Be Glad to Know by a Line from your Honour Whether Capt Harding is to Draw A Shear of Prizes as Commander While on Shore if there is Any bad Conduct I shall Expect to Bare the Blame & if Good Shall Be Judg'd by your Honour Who Must Receive the Benefitt