[Extract]

. . . the ship at plymouth I there mentd with the Sassaparilla, Log Wood &c was sold at private Sale to the Board of War of this state who (I may venture to say to you) I am afraid are making very Wild Steerage much to the detriment of the State: they have been making many and large purchases: and are sending abroad for Articles that may be wanted, but they give such very exorbitant prizes for their Vessels & Cargoes: and such unheard of Wages & privileges to their masters and men that its evident the masters will realise full a third part of the whole Cargo, it so effects the private merchs others Asking the same those state gentry has that ruin must be the Consequence unless they alter their measure. —

I wish to receive Orders from the [Secret] Committee what to do with the Brig Tryton & the Cargo of 220 Fr Salmon purchas'd in her & to know what to fill up with, I have bot but two of the four Vessels order'd by the Honble Committee, But I purpose to buy the Mellish, she was a Bomb Ketch in the British Service, Capt [John Paul] Jones thinks she would make a fine 20 Gun ship with some alterations. . . .

Capt Hinman who now commands the Ship Alfred by order of Commodore Hopkins making alterations on her that it will be 6 Weeks before He can go to Sea, the Cabot has been ready for the Sea above a Month, but the Captain & Men were called to Providence to mann their Frigates. Captain Oldney [Joseph Olney] who now commands her is manning her & I hope will soon sail, paying off the Partridge Bill of those Ships calls for a great Sum of Money.