[Extract]
Dear Sir

I had the honour to write You a few days since, I beg leave to acquaint You that Mr [Hugh] Orr informs me they have cast four Cannon of twelve pounds designed for the Raleigh, but neither of them stood proof however the French Engineer by no means gives up the Point, he supposes that the others which will be cast solid will stand proof the Marline for boring being now compleat its a great pity that fine Ship should be thus kept back ー for want of Cannon. I flattered myself that Evil was remedied by the Arrival from France but the Information I received of the Raleighs Guns being come was false

The Ship Peggy which was condemned last Augt by our Marine Court after being condemned at Halifax by the Enemy was claimed by persons in Philadelphia. its a pity that matter was not determined, as the property is suffering, and I am prevented settling with the Captors she is a suitable Ship to carry a Cargo of Tobacco or Rice,²

As I propos'd on Capt (Samuel] Tuckers Return to pay the Captors their proportion of all the monyes in my hands, and the Livelys Cargo ariseing to a considerable amount I shou'd be glad to be indulged with Directions, as to the Distribution of the Shares, as the Vote of Congress for that purpose was calculated for Ships having a large number of Officers which are not known in these Schooners, Viz they have no Captain of Marines, Midshipmen or Surgeons Mate Coxswain or Serjant of Marines, which by the Resolves are allowed to Sloops. Therefore if these twentieth parts are allowed to the few petty Officers in those Schooners I fear it will give Umbrage to the men, the Officers & Sailors seem to choose to divide the Shares, according to the Plan the[y] agreed on when they entreed first into the Service, I take it for granted the 1/20th for the Commr in Cheif Is out of the Question in this Divission also that the Ships Lieutenants Cap[tain) of Marines & Mastr are to have the three twentieths & a half undivided by the Resolves; The three last Officers not being mentioned in the Resolves.

I shall be very happy on receiveing your Directions tho I am at the same time sorry to intrude on your busy moments. I beg leave to h[int] that tho the Prise money is not paid the Captors I have always made a point never to turn a man away empty when he came for Monies, which keeps them in good Temper and the Credit of the Service is supported. As my Predecessor Colla [Jonathan] Glover wrested the Powder Ship ³ from me, and the Contin[ent] having Occassion to take the whole of that Cargo I am daily receiving bitter Complaints from the poor Tars that their money is kept back from them . . .