No 10.

Gentn We are much obliged by your Favour of the 27th Ulto and shall most cheerfully co-operate with you in every Measure, that may contribute to our mutual Defence against the Invaders of our reciprocal Rights, that may be in our Power; and shall also be happy in keeping up a constant intimate Correspondence, which our common Cause at this Time renders necessary. ー

Our Inexperience in naval Preparations prevents us at present from either approving or disapproving your Plan of Row-Gallies for the Protection of Potowmack River. We have a Ship, which we call The Defence, that mounts 22 six Pounders, besides Swivels and will be ready to proceed to her Station by the first of March. She will cruise in the Bay, and as Occasion may require, proceed up Potowmack and the Captain shall have Orders to contribute every Thing in his Power to the common Defence on all Occasions. The Powder necessary for this Ship & for Fortifications which we are building, will diminish our Stock so much, as to prevent us from attempting an Increase of our Marine, 'till we receive a Supply of that necessary Article, more than sufficient for our Troops & Militia on whom we chiefly rely for Protection, and when this happens, we shall advise you of it.

We have adventured very extensively to procure Arms and Ammunition, but are fearful from the Advices that we have lately received, our Endeavours will not be attended with the Success we wished and had Reason to hope for.