Sir,

I have lately purchased of M^r: Broome¹ a small part of the Ship Putnam²— & happening to fall in company with M^r: Thomas Lyman of Durham, last week, he desired me to enquire of you whether the Birth of Cap^n: of Marines was vacant & if so he would be glad to accept of it, he says he will engage to raise a Company in a little time, he thinks he can get, in Durham & its vicin- ity forty good stout men. I have a very good Opinion of him he is a man of property, Sence & well principled if the Birth is vacant & there is a prospect of his obtaining it he will wait on you at New London & I dare say both you & Cap^n: Allen³ will be pleased with him. I also saw Doct^r: Rosseter⁴ at the same time who seems inclined to take the Birth of Surgeon, I have but a slight acquaintance with him, however he tells me his character is Known at New London, he went one Cruize as Surgeon to the Two Brothers,⁵ you may learn his character, from M^r: Mumford⁶ Cap^n. Chester⁷ or Cap^n: Champlain⁸ he will also wait on you if there is a prospect of his obtaining the Birth, Be good enough to write me a few lines in answer by the return of the Post & you will oblige [&c.]