Sir

as I have a mind to Establish My Legion upon a Solid Condition,¹ I Don't think there is a Better Expedient for that purpose, then to associate all my people together, and to Detach often a Couple Dozens of them at Sundry times for to Go to Sea.

I have several prospect to Execute that project. the first, is to assure of my self of my Soldiers, By the advantage they'll perceive in the said Society, and as Every one of them Shall have a Share according to the monney they'll Lay to the mass in the attempt, that I want to make, I Don't Doubt But this will Engage them to Serve with Great deal more Zeal for the public Cause: for that purpose I want to purchase a Vessel, I understood, here Lays a Brigantine which is to be sold By orders of your Excellency.² I then Do Send M^r. Baldesqui Bearer of this Letter, to Deal with the persons appointed for that matter. I hope Sir you will be Kind Enough to Befriend me in this project which I am Certain will Become most usefull for the unitate State.³

I will tell you more about my prospect. I do foresee that the Britons will necessarely be obliged one day, or other to Evacuate this Continent, at that time the marin[e]s will Surely be more usefull then the Land troops, my Soldiers must then be instructed, Soon, and be [Like] the Roman troops which were obliged to make their Service Every where. 

The Vessel that I intend to have fitted, Shall at present be fitted out Like a privateer, But Calculated for to Carry a Great many things Necessary for the want of my Legion, which the Congress don't Chuse to Supply it with, Considering the Great Expenses that would occur upon the Number of my Soldiers. 

if I am Lucky Enough to succeed in this first Expedition, I intend with the Benefit of it, to have a frigate Built, and then after, I'll try to do Some thing Better. I am most persauded that my Good intentions for your Contry will interest your Goodness for me. I am [&c.]

Baltimore June the 10^th. 1778.