Gentlemen

The honour of your Letter bearing date the 23^d June,¹ had the pleasure of Recieving on the 30^th and shall think myself happy, in a strict attention to the Agreable Contents, as these Orders afford me every Satisfaction, being such as could have wished, had the intended Cruize been left to my own Determination—it affords me the most sensible pleasure to Acquaint your Honours, that both Officer’s & Men are very attentive in getting the Ship ready, and flattered with their vigilance & attention, expect to be ready for Sea, before the last of this month

with regard to Arms, Cloathing &c M^r Schweighauser² acquaints me that he has only fourteen Bales of Blankets at present on Continental Account—it being in my power to take a considerable larger Quantity without impeding the Ship either in sailing or fighting, and having understood that M^r Jonathan Williams late Agent at Nantes has to a very Large amount of Arms Military Stores &c would be glad that your Honours would expedite the necessary Orders if Agreable to M^r Williams, that such Merchandize might be put on board, as would be Convenient and fitting for the Ship.

Would earnestly sollicit with due submission to your Honours judgement, a ready attention to this Article and immediate Answer, as the Ship is Actually taking in Provisions, Water &c and suffers by Delay in Respect to Stowing the Hold, as most Advantageous; Inclosed I transmit an exact Return of Prisoners on board my Ship as Ordered,³ and hope that an exchange may be facilitated on principles of mutual good;

All Dispatches Committed to my Care, your Honours may Depend upon the most Careful attention to and with thanks for your favourable wishes in the Destined Voyage, have the honour to Remain Gentlemen, [&c.]

NB Expct the main Mast will be ready to put in to morrow, which Compleats our masts—