Captain James Nicholson
Sir

We have received your favour of the 23^d instant¹ and are sorry that your Late effort to get to Sea had failed The great service that might be done to the States by your Ship being out has urged us to wish much for that event and altho you have been unsuccessful in your late attempt yet we would not have that prevent your making an other trial and as we are perfectly satisfied that your best endeavours has been used, we doubt not a continuance of them will be kept up until the business is happily accomplished.

We observe what you say respecting the term of entry of some of your Crew being expired. we would have you if possible engage them again allowing them the bounty.

The Navy Board at Bordenton in a Letter of the 13^th instant² writes that they had collected 19 or 20 Seamen belonging to the Navy and would send them for- ward to Baltimore as soon as a waggon could be had to take their baggage and provisions—These Men we expect are now nearly got down and you may order them on board your ship. This supply with such of your present crew as you may reinlist will keep the Virginia well manned

We authorize you to provide a small fast sailing Tender to preceede your ship down the Bay to give notice of the situation and motions of the enemies Vessels as we formerly directed³ & we trust you will embrace the first opportunity of pushing out confiding in your vigilance & good conduct we wish you success & are [&c.]