Sir This will acquaint you the two Vsells that the Captains [Nicholson] Broughton, & Selmon [John Selman] are to Command, are ready to tack the troops on board, the formers, for the Cannon and Swevil Cartridges, I have Sent to Coln Burbank [William Burbeck]. Would it not be best, that every man be furnisht with a Spear, or Cutlast, & a pare of Pistles, if to be had, as guns is very unhandy in boarding. I have Procuerd Provisions for the two Vesells, Saving 4000 weight of bread, which Cannot be had here, but at the Extravegent price of 32s p ct [hdwt]

Capt Selmon has his Compliment of men, to ten, which with your Excellencys Leave, he will take oute of the Regiment. Capt Broughton is Very unwell, but hope its nothing more than a bad Cold, which he took at the time of Runing his Vesell on Shoar, he has not ben able to Recrute a Single man, here, apprehend he may get his Compliment oute of the Regiment with your Excellency Leave this Morning, 6 oclock Saw a Ship Comeing oute of Boston ー Steard her Cours Directly for M. head, which Alarmd the inhabitance very much. She Came allmost to the Harbours Mouth, Tackt Ship, & Stood off, where She now is about one or two Leagus Distance ー

I Communacated to my Son your Excellency's intentions (as handed to me by Col. Reed) of Giveing him the Command of one of the Vesells, which he Seems Much Pleased with, hope his Conduct will meet your Excellencys Approbation he therefore waits for Directions. ー I am Respectfuly [&c.]