Sirs

This afternoon Cap^t. Deshon¹ sets out for New London, on the necessary business of geting the Trumble out of Connecticut River. The Columbus has fell down the River. Cap^t. Hacker² hath promised us he will be ready to Improve the very first opportunity of Wind & Weather that presents after to morrow. he is supplyed with every thing requisite to carry his Ship³ to New London or the first port of Safety that he can get into. we have thought it best to put on board about Six Weeks Stores least he shou'd be obliged to put off the Coast.⁴

Cap^t. Whipple⁵ Enters Men very fast he expects to have upwards of one hund^d. Men by the last of this Week. The plan that hath been adopted is, that the Ship⁶ proceed from hence on a Cruise, for the reasons already given by M^r. Deshon. indeed it appears to me that she cou'd not have been Mann'd upon the same terms that the Warren was. You will please to say If it be your opinion that she proceed directly to France: or That its consistant with our Instructions to Order her on a Cruise where we think it most likly to annoy our Enemies and take Prizes. If she is ordered to France you will transmit the Copy of the Orders rec^d. from the H^ble Marine board; and such other dispatches as you think may be with Safty sent thro' the dangerous Fire of a Line of the Enemys Ships. we don'tjudge it prudent to intrust papers of great consequence by this Ship. you will please to Send a Copy of the Signals to be observed in the Continental Navy,⁷ and what other papers & dispatches you may think Proper. I am [&c.]

P.S. pray let me know from Time to time all the News that's stiring w^ch. will multiply the Obligation of Y^r. &c