Philadelphia, Dec. 2d, 1775.
[Extract]
As Capt. Whipple is not yet arrived, we can say nothing respecting his being taken into Continental service. General Hopkins, this morning, desired us to acquaint you that 'tis yet a matter of doubt whether he engages in the service here or not. He seems to think the encouragement given to the seamen so small that a sufficient number cannot be raised in time to do anything to purpose this season, and that if he does not engage in this service, he will set out for home as soon as his son and young Mr. Jenckes are well of the small pox.2 They were inoculated last Wednesday [November 29], and are still about the streets . . .
Nath'l Mumford. Tho. Greene. Gideon Mumford.
1. Collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society, VI, 138.
2. Esek Hopkins, Jr. and Rufus Jenckes each received a midshipman's warrant for the Continental ship Alfred on November 20, 1775.
