Sir

Your Excellencys favour, of the 3d instant came to hand, annexed to which are the resolves of the Grand Continental Congress, respecting captures made by continental armed vessels & others ー In complyance with which, and in obedience to your Excellencys Command, I have Libeled all the Vessels which have been bro't into this port, by the Harrison armed Schoonr & which are now in my care, Viz. one Sloop, one Schooner, & one fishing boat, of about 15 tons, ² & shall use my best endeavours, that these vessels be brought to tryal, as soon as may be. ー

The Schooner Harrison lately Comman[d]ed by Capt [William] Coit, I find, by strict enquiry, (tho she be not very well accomodated for the officers) is an excellent Sailer; & is sufficiently strong ー The Continent has been at considerable expence, in fitting this Vessel for service, & sho'd she be put out, & another taken into the service, £100 will necessarily be sunk to the Continent, by the transfer. ー For these reasons I have thought it prudent to continue the Harrison in the service, and have, agreeable to your Excellencys permission, nominated Capt Charles Dyar to the com[ma]nd. ー This Dyar was with Capt Coit last cruize & can give the character of the Schooner more perfectly.

Capt Dyar the bearer of this, wont at first interview appear to your Excellency, to advantage, he is no orator & seems rather softly, but his character [stands] high as a good officer, & as an active smart sailor. ー Capt Coit has recommended him in high t[erms, &] will give your Excellency his true Character. ー

We shall have no difficulty in geting as fine a crew as any on the continent, provided they can be enlisted for six months only, or for so long a time as Capt Dyar shall continue to command ー Our people are very fond of knowing their officers, & the best of them are unwilling to engage for a longer time, than their officers engage for. ー Captain Dyar will wait on your Excy & will receive every necessary direction ー I am [&c.]

N B your Excellency will please to direct me, whether I am to Libel the two vessels taken by Major [Benjamin] Tupper & carried into Dartmouth. ³