Preston Boston 7 October 1775
(Copy)
Sir In answer to your Letter to Me of this day I am to acquaint You that as the Mercury will very Soon go to Sea I think you had better be onboard the Preston where I have ordered you to be received and Victualed until I Can Send you to England in one of His Majesty's Ships. In the mean time you are to be checqued on the Mercury's Books and not discharged. I am Sir [&c.]