Dear Sir,

I had the honour of writing you under the 16th Ultimo. at which time I had in View the Ship Mermaid¹ for your Account, since she's been sold at public Auction at £2900, which was far too high, having measured her before Sale, & found her to be but 168 Tons, 17 feet. I was much deceiv'd in her Size she being raisd to Carry her Guns, made her look much larger than she Really was. she must of Necessity be a very dull Sailer, being extreemly full both forward &abaft but She may answer for the Frenchmen who bought her, if he can make one Passage clear. I am on the lookout for a proper Vessel for you. the Difficulty does not lay so much in buying as manning a Vessel, for that is truly a very difficult Task & what Voyage will Support the expence I know not mens Wages indiscriminately good or bad is 50 Doll^rs ⅌ month And Officers Just what they please to ask I hope men will be plentier as the Insurance Officers here have come to a resolution not to take any more Risque, wc'h will Induce the Adventurers to lay up their Vessels as they Arrive. I shall keep you duly Advis'd. In the meantime I wish you Tranquilly of mind in your present Retirement, & am [&c.]

NB the worthy M^r Hancock² tells me he Shall sett out for Congress in about 3 Weeks I suppose his stay wont be long, as he will Certainly be chose Governour.—