Gentlemen

Since I wrote you last, Captn Jones in the Providence has arrived here with three Prizes, and one Ship is arrived at Bedford ー Inclosed is a Copy of the account of his Cruise that he gave me ー The Cabot has sent one Ship in to Providence and yesterday Lieutt [Thomas] Weaver of the Cabot came here from Bedford, where he arrived two days ago in another Prize Ship ー he informs me that when he left the Cabot she had taken five Ships and a Brig all from Jamaica ー one of them a three decker with upwards of Six-hundd hogsheads onboardー

The Alfred is now mann'd, and under Sailing Orders with the Hamden ー Captn Jones of the Providence has the Command of her ー Inclosed you have a Copy of the Orders I have given him, and hope they are such as will meet with your approbation ー The Reason of my giving Orders to Captn Jones to attempt to destroy the Ships and their Works at the Coal Mines was, that I receiv'd certain Intelligence by a Master of a Vessel directly from there, that there was near twenty Vessels, and one hundred Prisoners employed in that Service; guarded by twenty six Soldiers, the Savage Sloop of War and [George] Dawsons Brig -² and one of them generally at Louisburgh ー One of the new Ships came down from Providence yesterday, the other got aground, but I expect her down here the first fair Wind. They are nearly fitted every way for the Sea, all but Men, which they have about one hundd and fifty each ー Shall now give my whole attention to their Manningー

If you have any particular Service for them, should'be glad to receive it. I think they will be ready to Sail as soon as your Orders can reach here; and I hope near mann'd

The Columbus is Clean'd, taking her ballast onboard, Rigging and fitting as fast as possible ー The Sloop ^Providence will haul in to the Wharf to morrow in order to clean Shall get them out as soon as possible, but expect to meet with great difficulty in getting Men ー The Privateers being so plenty, and having great Success that the Men look on their Shears better than what they have in the Navy ー I am with great Respect Gentlemen [&c.]