Sir

I rec^d. your letter of the 4th Nov^r. which I suppose should be Dec^r. 1—and laid it before Council—I am truly sorry, that we were under the necessity to burn any part of our Fleet this and the evacuation of Red bank has given the Enemy great advantages over us. however it is folly to repine and I hope in the end It will be found to be of no real advantage to them.—

I had little doubt of furnishing the Fleet with whiskey from hence some time since for which purpose I employed M^r. Adam Kimmel to procure four Hdgs. and impress two waggons to carry them and 180 pairs of Shoes and stockings for the seamen but he has met with uncommon delay in procuring waggons I hope however they will soon be with you

At present we have little or no money in the Treasury but expect it will be replenished in a few days, have therefore kept the paymaster M^r. Bradf^d. until some can be signed—Some censures have been past part on our fleet which I have now to believe they do not deserve A letter which I rec^d. from the Commodore² and if I have time shall answer by this opportunity explains some matters very fully and convinces me that if the pass has been lost thro any mismanagement it does not lay with the officers and men of ou[r] fleet—I am [&c.]

PS the Commodore is desirous to know where the Fleet is to be layed up during the winter season—of this he and the state navy board are the best Judges I think the wharfs below Trenton will be convenient