We have just heard that the pirates on the Eastern shore have destroyed two-thirds of Falmouth burnt down, and have orders to destroy every sea port from Boston to Pemmaquid. This is savage and barbarous in the highest stage. What can we wait for now? What more can we want to justifie any step to take, kill and destroy, to refuse them any refreshments, to apprehend our enemies, to confiscate their goods and estates, to open our ports to foreigners, and if practicable to form alliances, etc., etc.

I shall endeavour to see and form a judgment of your plan as soon as I can procure the chart. The row gallies you have at Philadelphia may be very serviceable in smooth water, but if I am rightly informed would not do in a sea. No doubt such might be constructed as would, but I am inclined to think that our cannon armed Vessels, especially as we can be so superiour in men, and are more used to them, will answer the purpose better, if we choose such as sail well.