Sir

I am to acknowledge your kind indulgence of putting your Colony Vessels under my Care ー the bearer, Captn [Robert] Niles has behaved like a good Officer has follow'd my Orders and been beneficial to the Fleet ー he has now onboard some Shells and one Mortar for General Washington which he will take out at New London, or carry to New York as your honour thinks fit ー but I believe his schooner would be fitter for Service if she was ballasted with Iron which he tells me can't be procured nearer than New Y~Jrk I am with great Respect Sir [&c.] E.H.