[Copy]
Sir.

 Information having been received by this Court that two of the Enemy's Ships the Diamond of 32 Guns and the Greyhound of 28 Guns were cruising in this Bay where they have taken several Vessels bound into this State, some of them coming from France, from which place many Vessels loaded with necessary Articles of Supply which must be of great use not only to this & the neighbouring States but in it's Consequences to the whole of the united States. Two of the continental Ships the Hancock and the Boston and several large Privateers being in this Harbour and all nearly ready to put to Sea and a strong disposisition generally prevailing that this Bay should be cleared of the Enemy's Cruisers, this Court have exerted themselves to have as large a naval Force as possible immediately at Sea, copies of the Contracts we have entered into with the Owners, Officers &c of the Privateers ー to effect that purpose are inclosed herein ² The Terms on which these Vessels are engaged may appear expensive; but as the Men on board them were engaged for other services, cruising against Ships of War may be thought to deserve the encouragement offered. The Monies we have agreed to advance to the Commanders of the Continental Ships was a necessary Step as without it the intended expedition must have been laid aside & therefore we hope this And the whole Plan will be approved of by the Hon Congress.

In the house of Represents May 7. 1777

Read and accepted and ordered that the same be Signed by the President of the Council in the name of this Court and directed to the President of the Congress

Sent up for Concurrence

J Warren Spkr

In Council May 8 1777

Read & Concurred

Jn^o Avery Dpy Secy

[Endorsed] Letter to the Hon'ble Congress relative to sending out the Ships Boston and Hancock With other Armed Vessels to cruise against the Enemies of the united States ー May 8. 1777