Gentlemen

Mr [John] Earle the Master of the Alfred has applied for leave to come to Philadelphia to see his Family, and as he has done his Duty since in the Service as a good Officer have given him leave to come to you, and take your further directions — Captn [Isaac] Field in the Eagle has made a Complaint to me against Captn [John Paul] Jones for taking out some of his hands — I have enquired so far as to find that Captn Jones met the Privateer a coming in from a Cruise — and on sending onboard found two Men belonging to the Fleet, and two More belonging to the Rhode Island Brigade, all four of whom he took out, and I believe some more — which can't be well accounted for any otherway than Captn Jones knew that the Privateers made a constant practice of carrying away the Men belonging to the Fleet, thought it would put some Stop to that practice, and not be any damage to the Owners as she was coming in from a Cruise — I can't but believe that Captn Jones did as he thought best for the good of the Publick — and I must Confess I shall be glad if it meets your approbation —

I hear that the Cabot has been in at Cape Ann, and expect her in to New London in a few days — if so Shall try to get her fit to join in the Expedition — I am Gentlemen with great Respect [&c.]