Dear Sir,

One third of the Chances at present appear to be against my making my fortune in the privateering way, The Rambler being no more —¹

when I arriv'd here she was one side under water the Rocks having gone through her soon after she Struck her materials are are all ashore, some of which I have taken & given a Receipt for, the Quality when you come to value them Capt: Staunton can inform you, — What are left here of her crew are English which the Governor insists on my taking on board, they according to the general disposition of Sailors oppose it, but are forc'd on board by the Soldiers, whether they will become reconciled or not is yet a doubt — if they do I shall be better mann'd than any privateer in the Westindies if not I must set them ashore & shall then be as well off as my Neighbours — this loss may make me a little desperate therefore do not be supriz'd should you hear of my being taken in some foolhardy enterprize² — The officers on board were much to blame, tho such an Accident might have happen'd to me as soon as anybody. have paid: Capt Staunton thirty Jo's & three Dollars on Acct. of Sloop Rambler which He will Acc^t with you for — I am dear Sir your most sincere Wellwisher 

I believe the Sloop sails tolerable —