John Deshon Esq^r.
at Providence
Sir

We have received yours of the 26th of October and altho we have very unfavourable Accounts of the expedition upon Rhode Island yet we are glad to find the Continental Ships in Providence River are so nearly fit for Sea and hope their getting out will not depend on the Success of that expedition. The getting those Ships out is an object of very great importance and we learn there were but two Ships in the Bays when Captain Palmes left Providence we are in hopes that one of the Ships at least has already sailed we had sent forward before Captain Palmes Arrived Loan Office Certificates for 100,000 dollars by Docter Lynn which we hope will answer for the present necessitys. The calls for Money are pressing on every side. However we shall endeavour as much as possible to support the important department entrusted to the direction of the Navy Board. We shall write more at large to the Navy Board and in the mean time remain [&c.]