Sir Your letter (without date)² is just come to hand ー Capt Martindale will deliver you this with whom you can consult on the proper Guns to fit [Daniel] Adam's Schooner out. He is going down to fit out with your Assistance a Schooner belonging ¾ to George Ewing & ¼ to Capt [Benjamin] Wormwell provided you can agree with Wormwell. Martindale is to Command but Wormwell may Sail as Master if he chooses. This vessel is highly recommended here but you must make proper Inquiry about her & act accordingly ー

If it is absolutely necessary to procure proper Guns at Providence & Bristol, you must go, but we have always found that when Gentlemen Sent upon this Business go among their Friends, they are apt to stay too long & are induced to favour their Friends in such Articles as may be wanted so as to delay the Business I therefore think it necessary to give you this Caution ー

Inclosed are Mr Watson's Instructions which you will please to deliver him ー Pray consider that after the Guns are procured the Ammunition is to be provided, & no Cartridges can be made 'till you Send former ー unless Ammunition is to be procured there ー You will also please to bear in Mind that our, Situation as to Powder does not admit these Vessels being fitted out at all Points, nor will the Time Admit ー Cap Martindale having been used to have a Vessel where nothing was wanted I fear will not make suitable Allowances ー If Wormwell's Vessel should not be found to Answer or cannot be had but upon such Terms as you do not chuse to comply with & there is another there you may take her ー Let the good of the Publick direct you both & that only ー I am Sir &c.

J R

Capt. Adams does not go Captain, but has my Promise to go Master if he chuses ー we send a Captain from hence ー [Cambridge] Octo 17, 1775