Dear Brother

Since I wrote nothing material has happened-We landed our Sick which were 140 Men in the Fleet and got some new Men out of the Army, and was ready to Sail when I receiv'd General Washingtons Letter by Express a Copy of which I have inclosed - I sent out the Cabot in order to strengthen the Town of Newport where she is Arrived as you will see by

. Lieutt [Elisha] Hinman's Letter a Copy of which you have inclosed Two days past we were under Sail to get out but got ashore on the Rocks near Fisher's Island, but got off again without much damage after about 8 hours & came in again and ordered all the Vessels in which I had under Convoy five of whom were at the risque of the Congress

The Fly is now out in order to learn the Strength of the Fleet, and if they are not much Stronger than we Shall go out the first fair Wind-We are much better Mann'd now than we ever have been ー My Son John B. Hopkins is ashore at Mr. [Nathaniel] Shaws and getting better of his Wounds, but do not expect will be able to go onboard his Brig to take the Command in less than 3 or 4 Weeks ー 2 I am your loving Brother

P.S. I have Oblig'd most of the Sailors which I have taken out of the Armed Vessels to do duty onboard ー Should be glad to know if that is agreeable with the Sentiments of the Congress that I may still follow the same Rule