Sir

I Inclose you a paragraph of a Letter received from the Marine Com^tee. by which you will see their Intentions with regard to the French Ship Flamand under your directions & their orders to us¹ in Consequense of which we have ordered Cap^t Ayres² & two Lieutenants M^r Gross³ & M^r Thaxter⁴ to Engage ten Men & proceed to Portsmouth for the purposes therein mentioned You will please to Supply them with any articles necessary for such a Cruise according to the Rules of the Navy, I suppose the Ship will be at Sea very Soon I have long Considered it a misfortune to be called on to do so large business as you are with such Small Supplys of money & Lamented it was not in our power to furnish you agreeable to your requests & our wishes that Still remains to be our Situation I have however Collected a little money and Send you by Cap^t Ayres Four thousand dollars which you will please to Enter to our Credit and forward us a receipt you will likewise pass to our Credit twelve thousand dollars paid by the Marine Com^tee. on your Bill in favour of Stephen Hooper Esq^r. in future you are to apply to our Board & I Sincerely wish it may be in our power to answer your demands.—I am [&c.]