[Extract]
Sir,

In consequence of your Excellencys Letter of the 6th ² we have enquired after a proper Person to take charge of the Ship but cannot find one. Capt Sandford of this Town is unemployed and fond of the Lydia, but says he thinks there is no chance of escaping the Enemy in an unarmed large Vessel, therefore will not take charge ofher.

There is a Capt Copper, who we Loaded at this place about 5 Yrs ago, a very Sober discreet industrious Man, now unemployed, & either at Baltimore or Chester Town, as his Brother here informs us, and would be glad of such a Vessell as the Ship. There is also a Capt Middleton Belt who some Years ago saild out of Patuxent, now settled abt 13 Miles from this Town, and has the Character of a Man of great intrepidity and Boldness and a very fine Seaman — But whether he may be Steady enough or not we cannot say — As to his political Principles we believe them to be very good and he is a Man who would not readily give up a Ship to his sailors. . . .