Sir

I receiv'd yours of the 5th instt respecting a private Expedition, and now beg leave to inform you that before I receiv'd it the Hamden had Sail'd and the Cabot was under Sailing Orders but I hear She was not got out Yesterday owing to Some damage She Receiv'd in a Snow Storm in Boston harbour — a Copy of their Orders I forwarded to the Honble Marine Board the 14th Instant. — The Columbus and Sloop Providence are here, and with but a few men onboard, and it is not likely they can be mann'd Soon — The Alfred is now under Repair and will not be fit for Service in less than Six Weeks or two months, and is Commanded by Capt Elisha Hinman by Virtue of your Commission, and it is more than I can take upon me to displace him without your Orders for it — On the whole it is Impossible to mann and get those Vessels together Soon for any Expedition and from the number of Complaints I have had from the Officers and people late under Captn Jones's Command in respect to his Conduct during the last Cruize and Since he came home in regard to both their Wages and prize Money I am well Convinced that it will be more difficult to mann Vessels under his Command than to do it under any Officer of the Fleet that I am acquainted with and Necessity will Oblige me to wait for your further Orders respecting the Expedition you have Order'd — and as Six Week's time will be soon enough for the Alfred, l have thought best to let Captn Olney Cruise for Six Weeks to prevent his Men from deserting — Inclosed you have a Copy of my Letter to him for that purpose — I am with great Respect Sir [&c.]

To the Honble Robert Morris Esqr Vice Presidt of
the Marine Committee at Philada or Baltimore