[Extract]
Sir I received your favour of the 2 Instant with the several Resolves of Congress therein Inclosed ー The Resolves relative to Captures made by Continental armed vessells only want a Court Established for Trial to make them complete ー This I hope will be soon done, as I have taken the Liberty to urge it often to Congress.
I am somewhat at a Loss to know whether I am to raise the Two Battallions of Marines here or not, as the delay can be Attended with but little Inconvenience, I will wait a further explanation from Congress before I take any Steps thereon.
I am much pleased that the money will be forwarded with all possible expedition as It is much wanted, Also that [John] Conolly & his Associates are [taken], It has been a very fortunate Discovry ー I make no doubt but that the Congress will take every necessary measure to dispossess Lord Dunmore of his hold in Virginia, the sooner Steps are taken for that purpose, the more probability there will be of their being effectual....
I will make application to Gen How & propose an Exchange for Mr Ethan Allen, I am much afraid I shall have a like proposal to make for Captain Martindale, of the Armed Brigantine Washington & his men, who It is reported was taken a few days past by a Man of War & carried into Boston ー we cannot expect to be all ways successfull.