Honble Sir

Capt Conway has never been able to get his vessel ready to take in till this day tho' he has used great industry, the weather, the Hollydays &c has been against him ー She is still a very fine vessell, now in the most complete order and it gives me concern to inform you that, the Capt, one of the most active fellows in the world, is about leaving her ー of this Capt Conway never gave me the most distant hint, till within these few days, as soon as he made known his intentions, I expostulated with and endeavor'd to convince him of the impropriety of leaving the service without giving the Council of Safety due notice to provide another master, but all in vain, ー He has had a little vessel built some where in the lower part of Virginia, she is finished and come up and he is going out in her ー However he promises to stay by the vessel and see things carried on, till another master comes on board You'll therefore be pleased to appoint one and send him to take charge as soon as possible. He says he intended to give you notice at Annapolis, but the Council Room was always full & he never could find an opportunity. if you have not a proper person to spare, there is a Brother of Conways, who I believe to be an able seaman, & a very industrious spirited man that has offerd himself; He being well acquainted, could pick up men in a short time of wch the vessel is bare, having but 3 on board. I am Sir [&c.]

If you incline to accept of his brother it will be well to give me orders by next post or he will be engaged.