Sir,

This will acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed favor per Mr. Gould, and note contents. I heartily congratulate you, Captain [Daniel] Waters, and your officers, on the success of your last cruise, and I hope your next will prove as successful. ² I should have set off for Cape Ann with Mr. Gould, but the indisposition of my bodily health is such as will not permit of it to-day, but I am in hopes by Monday shall be able to be at Cape Ann; if my disorder should not return, I will immediately attend. Capta. [Winthrop] Sargent, who is appointed agent for the continent will, you may depend, take all the care that man can do, as he will be accountable for any embezzlement. So that you have nothing to fear on that count. The sloop you mention you took within four leagues of the lighthouse, I hope that agent has taken the master and sent him forward to headquarters. If he has not, I would recommend to you that you send him immediately. I am informed that there is a large transport ship, that was fitted out at Boston, mounting sixteen guns. She yesterday got between the land and one of our fishing schooners, Skipper Dixey, and was chasing her off Cape Cod when last seen. I mention this, because I would have you keep a good look out for her, as I would have you avoid falling into her hands. You may depend upon her being strong manned. I do not mean to direct you, only mention it, as I would be fond of giving you (and the gentlemen) that are concerned in the armed vessels all the intelligence I am able. I have this moment, since writing the above, been acquainted by Captain Joseph Hibbart, who is from Cape Ann, that the sloop you took came up from Cape Ann, run right to the man of war, who has taken her into custody, and she is now gone by between the point of neck and Catt Island for Boston. By his account I fear the agent has let him go. I would hope still it is not the sloop.

Sir, I am informed that Captain Waters has not employed any person as agent for him and his officers; if that should be the case, shall esteem it a favor if you make mention of me to them; as I am agent for Captain Manly, Captain Burke, yourself, all the officers of them, I should be glad to serve them likewise, if not engaged, and it should be agreeable; on your mentioning the matter to Captain Waters and his officers, desire him to give me a line by way of desire that I would act as their agent, he and his officers sign it. Your interest in the matter will much oblige [&c.]