Sir

I receiv'd your esteem'd Favour of Town Meeting day, just time enough to get chose a deputy for this Town had I receiv'd it a Week sooner perhaps I might have been at the head of the Prox ー Altho' I have lost the Interest of a parcel of mercenary Merchants Owners of Privateers, I do not think I .have lost it in the Major part of this State ー I heartily wish the Fleet may do well in the way you have directed it. I am obliged to you for your advice to Continue a Friend to my Country, and you may depend I shall, should I have a few Friends in it ー Neither do I expect to remain Inactive ー

I can assure you it gives me great Satisfaction that in my own Judgement I have done everything in my power (or would have been in any other mans power in my place) for the Service of my Country ー One thing I must ask, and shall think I am not well us'd if it is not Granted ー That is an attested Copy of a paper or Petition Sign'd by some of the Ship Warrens Officers, and perhaps some other Men to the hon. Marine Board, or to Congress ー Should it be in your power to obtain it please to send it soon ー if not, please to let me know the Reason why I am not to be allow'd it ー ² and you will much oblige Sir [&c.]