[Extract]
Honble sirs

This Accompanies the Ship Alfreds abstract with Copy of Capt Hinmans Acct of disbursements & mine of outfit she with the Raleigh are now at Sea and I hope will do something towards Supporting such an enormous Charge in fitting her out —

It has not been in my Power to procure a Suitable Vessell for a Cruizer as directed some time since by the honble Board. I am still on the Look out and shall seize the first oppertunity. my accounts are incompleat not having receivd directions what Commission to Charge. the Sloop Providence has sent in a sloop in Ballast which she took the same day she left [New] York,² the Lee Capt Skimmer remains abroad on a Cruize, have not heard from him Since he saild. Yesterday arriv'd here a Ship of 340 Tons from Liverpool design'd for [New] York, with upwards of 12000 Bushells Salt on board³ by the Instructions given the Master, and by all the Letters it appears That the Ministry have imposed the Belief of America being entirely Subdued on the People and the mercantile Part of the Nation are taking their measures Accordingly. . . I rejoyce we have reason to differ from them in opinion having nothing material to add I salute you and have the honor to be with all due Respect Gentlemen [&c.]

The Salt Ship was taken by one of our State Brigs the Massachusetts a private Schooner in Company — I have just receivd intelligence of the arrival of the Hamden ⁴ at Bedford