Sir,

On receiving your Letter of the 12^th with Copy of the Resolve of Congress respecting the Cargo of Salt arrived here,¹ We immediately wrote a Letter to our governor,² (whereof you have copy inclosed) advising him the Situation of the matter, which was such, as renderd it unnecessary for us to take any Measures therein before the governor shoud deliberate thereon. We presume he has informed you what he has done.—In the meantime We have the pleasure to acquaint you that several small Cargoes of Salt having arrived here and on the Eastern Shore of late, the price begins to drop considerably, from 15 to 8 & £10 ⅌ Bus^l. and a great probability of its soon being much lower. We are certain there will be no difficulty or uncertainty about procuring enough for curing whatever Provisions may be wanted for the Army.

Yesterday morning Captⁿ Nicholson returned to the mouth of this River³ with the Virginia Frigate, having narrowly escaped being taken by the Emerald & Perseus⁴ who pursued her from New Point Comfort until1 She got in the River. Captⁿ Nicholson left Patuxent River last Sunday with a N West Wind & got to Point Comfort against Evening when the Wind lull'd. Had it continued that Night or next Morning, he woud certainly have got out; The Enemy Frigates' Eight in Number (besides Tenders) being in Hampton Road where they commonly lye detaching out Cruisers toward the Cape & up the Bay, as often as moderate Weather will admit of it. The only Chance which there was of getting out depended on a leading Wind to carry the Frigate out at once, without Stopping below. The Enemy's Cruisers being now aware of the design, will certainly render it much more hazardous for her to get out.—The only advantage gained by this last Attempt is The certain knowledge of the Virginia being a very fast Sailer. The Frigate which Chased her being accounted amongst the first Rate Sailers in the Brittish Navy.

We have received neither Answer nor Remittance from the Marine Committee since we last wrote you for Money.⁵ As the Bearer Lieut^t Plunket will be a favourable Oppt^y of sending us some Money, We beg you will send us 10 or 12 thousand Dollars by him. We are [&c.]