Dear Sir

Your favour of the 16th Instant is now before me by which you are Ordered to build a 74 Gun Ship in which I wish you prosperity — Ive received no such orders but expect it soon I'm getting some Timber on the best Terms I can about 4 dollars P Tonn some less, the bawling such I'm afraid I shall not get it have not made any Contract as yet am undetermined how to proceed cannot form any Idea where the materials are to come from, I thank you for your Congratulation, am verry unfit for the Station ² in which my Country has placed me but shall endeavour to keep good Conscience by doing my best, the old saying all that we can expect from a Cat is her skin — With all due respect I am [&c.]