Hond Sir

I have the pleasure of acquainting your Excellency of the safe arrival of the Oliver Cromwell in this Harbor, together with her prize the Ship Weymouth, mounting Sixteen Carriage Guns &c — She was employ'd as a packet from Jamaica to London having on board a Quantity of Cash, the exact Sum I am not able to ascertain, the Prize Master informs me her Letters were all destroy'd — that there were several Passengers, among whom is Capt Judd, Commander of the Antelope of 50 Guns — who with the other prisoners were landed at Kennebeck River in order to proceed by Land to this Place. I expect them this day — I shall pay a due attention to them ac­cording to their Rank — Your Excellency will doubtless consent to Capt Judd being exchanged for Capt Manly, if a Cartel should be established —

It is with sorrow I mention to you, Capt Harding's detention at the Eastward by a dangerous fit of Sickness; while he is absent I will take the whole charge of the Cromwell &c, and as Capt Deshon is now in Town I doubt not of conducting to approbation with his advice and assistance which he has kindly promis'd — This prize will occasion a great deal of altercation, as the Agent for the People will endeavor to prove her to be a Kings Ship, which, if done, the State will draw no part. I shall retain another Lawyer besides Mr [Francis] Dana, in hopes of recovering a proportion for the State, and shall acquaint your Excellency from time to time as there shall be occasion.

On Saturday I return'd from Dartmouth, the Prize turns out agreeable to my Expectation. The Cables, & Cordage I have order'd to Boston for the Defence, the Honor was not quite unloaded but as my Brother could conduct the business, I tho't it my duty to return, and attend the lengthen­ing of the Defence, which is now on the ways and divided — Capt Smedley has given her Eighteen feet in length — which will add fourteen Inches to her beam, all who have seen her, give it as their opinion, she wil make a compleat Vessel. I shall obtain every Article at the lowest price, and make every agreement upon the lowest Terms — but her lengthening will be attended with an amazing expence. —

Lieut [John] Smith who will deliver this can give your Excellency a particular Account of the Engagement with the packet, and of the several Captures made by the Cromwell — one of which I fear has miscarry'd² — I would request as early, & particular directions respecting both Vessels as is convenient. — I remain with due respect [&c.]