[Extract]

The Raleigh (after waiting a fortnight for a Wind) sailed the 22d accompanied by the Alfred. She seem'd to go very fast through the water & I have been since informed by some Fishermen who saw her 7 or 8 Leagues off, that she could spare the Alfred, her small sail, and some of her courses. Capt Thompson was greatly at loss what to do. His Ship barely manned for defence, and no probability of increasing the number, the Enemies Ships so exceedingly thick on the Coast, that there is the greatest Chance of falling in with a number of them, on the other hand, the time spending, and the Crews of both Ships growing uneasy, being thus situated and no one here authorized to direct him what to do, he had a consultation with the Officers of the two Ships, the result he transmitted to the President and I hope it will be approved, for tho' I did not presume to advise him I must confess I fully approved in my own mind, the determination, as the best method in his scituation, that could be adopted for the Public good.

I never had an opportunity of knowing anything of Capt Hinman till he came here, & as I had formed an opinion of him not the most favorable (and that without any just cause, or indeed without any cause, except the general Prejudice I had taken to Commodore Hopkins's Officers) I think myself bound in justice to say, that from the opportunity I have had of observing his conduct, I am fully convinced he is an exceeding good Officer. He is very judicious & active, an Excellent disciplinarian & at the same time possesses the intire Confidence & even the affection of his Officers & men .I am in great hope these ships will Retrieve the Honour that the American Flagg has suffer'd the loss of, by the ill conduct of some others. The Ranger will sail in about ten days if she has a Wind, Capt Jones tells me he has more than 100 men on his Roll & has a fair Prespect of filling up his Com­plement in a few days. Are you not mistaken in supposing Capt Jones has orders to go to Europe. He tells me he has received no such orders, since he took charge of the Ranger, however he will go thither unless he receives orders to the Contrary. . . .