Sir ー We learn with a good deal of Concern that there is no Probability of the Vessels being got away for several days ー & that in all Appearance the Remainder of the Vessels besides Capt Broughton & Capt Selliman will not be ready these 2 Weeks to which the long Delay already & frequent Disappointment makes us give some Credit ー The General is much dissatisfied I cannot but think a Desire to secure particular Friends or particular Interests does mingle in the Management of these Vessels ー The Number of Workmen we are told is inconsiderable ー & in Short it is said in plain Terms, that it will be made a job of ー I thought it proper to mention to you what has been said ー & at all Events unless you can engage that the Vessels who are to remain at & about Cape Ann & that Coast shall be ready in 5 Days one must be got at Newbury Port as I cannot but think from all we hear that it would expedite this Business to have one Vessel fitted out from thence Six Transports came into Boston Yesterday ー If our Cruizers find themselves watched at Marblehead & Cape Ann they must run out in the Night & Cruize farther off. Should they take any Prizes they must send them to Plymouth or some other Town on that Coast ー We are told that our Vessels make a Practice of running in every Night when they have been out & the Men come on Shore ー This must be rectified ー Capt Manley is to have one of the Vessels left for the Coast about Cape Ann ー General Sullivan's Captain will have another ー Manley's Vessel will be mann'd from your Regiment ー I have said so much upon Dispatch that ー I need Say no more than that if they are not soon at Sea we shall heartily repent it was ever undertaken ー I this Morning paid Major [William] Lee 60 Dollars for Capt Broughton 40 for your Son. ー & 30 to the third Lieutenant as a Compliment from Capt [John] Langdon for retaking his Vessel ー The Men behaved so ill that nothing could be allowed them ー I am Sir &c.

Head Quarters Octo 17th 1775 ー