Sir

The necessity for relieving some of the King's Ships to the Southward being very urgent I purpose to send the Otter on that Duty, if your Excellency thinks she can be spared without prejudice to the Service of this Port.

The Nautillus will sail in a few days for Savannah in Georgia Captain [John] Collins shall stop in the Delaware,  at Virginia  and at the Two Carolinas with any dispatches Your Excellency may have for these places. I have the honor to be with great regard Sir [&c.]