[Extract]

I am very glad you have been thoughtful of Capt. [Dudley] Saltonstall, and have provided him with a place which, I have not the least doubt, he will fill with honor to himself and satisfaction to his Country. It will give me much pleasure to assist him and the officers he leaves behind him, in collecting seamen here, not only that I may serve him, but especially the Cause, which lies very near my heart. But why do you stop at four Ships? Pray let me hear you are preparing ten at least, of the best Ships you can get; and order every material collected this winter, in the different ports that favor such a design, to build and furnish out a fleet of twenty sail of Frigates, from twenty-four to thirty-six guns, In case of an accomodation this winter, the expense will be no mighty affair; and if the war proceeds, we are undone without such a Fleet, which, as their Force must be divided into three or four parts on the Continent, would be an over match for any they can send into these seas. I think this place would be a proper one for building two; and here is a very fine parcel of long stuff collected quite eno' for one; and as our ports will soon be entirely secure, provided we can get heavy cannon, the Ships would be in perfect security till they should be fit for sea. I should be glad to serve the public in this or any other way that I am capable of.