Providence March 13th 1777 ー
Sir
The bearer Lieutt [John Peck] Rathbun waits on you with this he has Served since the Fleet went from Philadelphia there being no Vacancy whereby I could promote him agreeable to his Merits ー if there Should be any Vacancy with you I can recommend him as a man of Courage and I believe Conduct, and a man that is a Friend to his. Country ー and I believe the most of the Success Capt [John Paul] Jones has had is owing to his Valour and good Conduct, he is likewise of a good Family in Boston ー Any Service you may do him will be Serving the Cause ー he is able to give you some Account of Captn Jones's Conduct which you may give Credit to ー
Inclosed you have a Copy of a Vote of our General Assembly ー whether anything will be done in Consequence of it is uncertain as yet ー if Men Sufficient comes in I think General Spencer will make an Attempt on Rhode Island. I am with Esteem [&c.]
E H ー
To the honble William Ellery Esqr Member of the Cont Congress at Philada or Baltimore
NB. A Copy of the above Letter (except the latter part) was sent by Lieutt Rathbun to the hon John Hancock Esqr Presidt of the Marine Committee ー
1. Hopkins Letter Book, 73, RIHS.
