Sir./,

Inclosed Your Excellency will receive An Account of the Number of Men at present employed in the Symmetry and Scows belonging to the Men of War. Also Captain [Thomas] Bishop's Answer to me on sending that part of your Excellency's Letter of the 5th Inst wherein his Conduct is blamed the day the Light House was burned; I hope Captain Bishop's Letter will satisfy Your Excellency it was not in his power to get at the Rebels, I was before so from the Reports made to Me ー Your Excellency may be assured that it will give Me unspeakable Uneasiness if any Opportunity is missed by the Squadron of attacking the Enemy with the least prospect of Advantage and that I will most certainly punish to the utmost of my power every Person guilty of the smallest Neglect on a Service of such importance. I have the Honor to be with great respect, Sir, [&c.]

[Enclosure] List of Men belonging to the Squadron doing duty in the Symmetry and Scows. Vizt