[Extract]

. . . Capt [Thomas] Thompson got to town from Phila the evening before last and this morning goes to Bridgwater to se his Cannon prov'd a second time,² we have cast Nineteen twelve pounders, and scarse as pigg Iron is we shall get enough to cast another and he proposes to purchase Six nine pound Cannon which are to be sold this day at Vendue, to make the number —

Capt [John Paul] Jones & the Shipwright who went with him to Bedford to look at the Mellish Return'd last evening, they together with Capt Thompson and Mr Jarvis, are of opinion that it wont answer to make a war like ship of her, tho' Capt Jones was sanguine in his Opinion before she would not, she is a fine Merchant ship & sold extreemly low, she will wait for Orders how to dispose of her, Capt Jones is going to York to look at a Ship Building their, the one I formerly mention'd she will make a fine ship for the purpose but how to come at Cordage I know not, we have not a ton of hemp in the State, I flatter'd myself before this that we shou'd have had a supply from franee . . . Our frigates are still in port but they have been retarded by a long series of Wet Weather, & constantly Eastern Winds, I hope they will get away to day or to morrow the Alfred has haul'd off, her guns are on board, she is wooded & Water'd and to day takes her prov1ss10ns in, hope she will be ready Soon . . .

I am sorry to say weve not been Yet able to purchase Vessells for Cruisers ³