[Extract]

Dear Sir I am extremely obliged to you for your last favor, and much pleased with the spirit of your letter. I am as sure as of my existence that if our large Gallies were manned, gunned, and fitted, that the navigation of our Bay would receive no interruption. I wish our Government would consult their Sister Maryland about this business, and with joint council and united strength, immediately equip such a number of strong Gallies as to free our Bay from these piratical incursions. Experience has proved the efficacy of these Vessels in small waters, and in the way of surprise against the largest Ships. They are cheaper than Ships, and rigged Ship fashion will be well understood by our Navigators. They are the best batteries, because they are movable ones, and the circumstance of drawing little water, peculiarly fits them for the shallow waters on our coasts. I pray you Sir to exert your influence to obtain the speedy use of the valuable Vessels, the surest defence, and the cheapest we can employ. . .

P. S. A number of Seamen lately put on shore from Com. [William] Botham say that the Men of War are greatly afraid of our Gallies. Let us cultivate this passion by ordering our best appointed Gallies to lurk about them, & in Calms or thick weather to annoy them with all imaginable spirit & address.