[Extract]

. . . The Progress of the Enemy gives me pain, but not the least Dispirits me, the next Spring will give them Some other employ, — the Betsey frigate will Sail next week, for Bourdeaux, Iv'e bo't in the Royal exchange, for the Continent as She went Low, but shall not fit her out, as She would Carry only Small masts, want[s] much Rigg[in]g which is not to be had at any Rate, I shall therefore Appropriate the Riggg and Sails for the use of Cap [John] Roche's Ship and lay up the hull, for the Present. the Ship Reward near 500 Tons has in part, Come into my hands, she would make Compleat Mast Ship had we Cordage, but its not to be had at any rate. — I've had no letters from Philad. some time fear the Communication is Cut off, or letters intercepted . . .

P. S. there is some Cordage taken by a Continental Cruizer Carried to Boston pray get an order on the Agent there for part of it pray don't fail in this there is abt 10 Tons, it can be Appraised and taken for the use of the States — get the Order for it or I shall never get any from them No guns yet for Mercy sake where is those from Connecticut