Sir

I arrived here last Evening & informed His Excellency of your Attention & Assistance in Negociating the transportation of the flour from your port, to Ipswich & Salem. I have it in Command from the General to return you his thanks, and at the Same [time] to inclose you his instructions to the Agents appointed for the Armed Vessels now fitted or hereafter may be fitted out for the publick Service, I doubt not you will pay proper Attention to them and to any farther instructions you may hereafter receive from Head Quarters, you have also inclosed, the List of Provisions necessary to be laid in for One Month, for 50 Men which is the Compliment for the Schooners fitted out to Cruize on the Coast, those that are gone out to Sea have 75 Men, your situation is such that exc[e]pt a Cruizer takes a prize, I dont apprehend you will have many visits [from], therefore I am of opinion that a few barrels of Beef & a few of Pork, with some Bread will be Sufficient for you to Lay in at present, perhaps his Excellency may hereafter think proper to appoint a particular Vessel for your port, then it will be necessary for you to provide the other Articles mentioned in the List ー