Sir

The marine Committee of Congress have received information that the Squadron under your Excellencies command has occasion for a supply of water and fresh provisions, and they have taken proper measures to furnish both with all possible expedition. The frigate Chimere,² and the two Vessels with her, will be dispatched immediately with as much water as we can find Casks for; the enemy lately here having destroyed every thing of this kind that they could discover. The same vessels will bring your Excellency some hundred barrels of bread and flour, with a small supply of fresh provisions. A Commissary has orders quickly to collect near Shrewsbury and the Hook 50 Bullocks, 700 Sheep, with a quantity of vegitables and a number of poultry; and he will wait on your Excellency to know your pleasure concerning the particular place on the water where he must bring them to be shipped.³

The same Commissary has general orders to furnish your Excellency which such further supplies as you may please to direct. 

The accidents of wind and weather may possibly prevent the Chimere from arriving with water so soon as it shall be wanted, and therefore I am to inform your Excellency that in little Egg harbor or Thoms river, neither of them far from the Hook, fresh water be conveniently obtained. The Pilots on board the Fleet will conduct Vessels sent for the purpose to either of these places. 

Your Excellency may be assured that Congress is disposed to supply your Excellency, and the Squadron under your command with every thing in their power that may conduce to the accomplishment of the valuable ends you have in view against the common enemy. I have the honor to be [&c.]