Cap^t George Cooke.
Sir

We yesterday sent off the Defence's Tender with 100 small Arms for Col^o. Barnes and some Provisions for the Gallies.¹ The small Arms to be landed at Hopewell's on Patuxent and the Tender to call at S^t. Jerom's to learn your and the Enemy's Situation before she proceeds into Patowmack unless, in Patuxent, she is well ascertained that she may safely proceed without Delay. M^r. Vanbibber tells us he has a Quantity of Cordage amongst it some Cables, at Fredericksburg in Virginia, any Part of Which he is willing to spare us, if we can assist him to get it up. We therefore send you the inclosed Letter to Col^o Lewis; we believe it is on the Subject of the Cordage. If you think it will be safe, we would have you send the Tender on this Business, if otherwise, return us the Letter again by some Opportunity or, if none offers before, when you come up again. We are desirous of getting the Cordage up, if you think it may be safely attempted, as we do not know how we shall otherwise get furnished with some much wanted. We are in Hopes, before this Time, you have been joined with two Gallies from Virginia,² and that you have been able at least to prevent the infamous Intercourse which we hear has been carried on by our People with the Men of War—If the Ships should have gone down, we shall expect to see the Gallies up, if not, advise us of your Situation and of what it may be necessary to furnish you with. We are Sir &^ca.