Gentle^n.

This moment several, of the Ship Warrens Men came to Town from Boston, who inform me they Arrived There last Monday; and in passing the Enemys Ships in this River¹ on the 16^th.2 they sustained some damage, their Mizen yard shot away, Main Yard wounded, several Shot passed through their Hull, one Man only sleightly wounded; The Wind blowing & continueing fresh at N W. the Crew badly Clothed, and Weather extreem Cold were under the Necessity of standing to the Southward in warmer Weather under easie sail far as the Latt. 24..0. where they fell in with the Ship Neptune Cap^t Smallwood from Whitehaven bound to Phil^a. Loaded with Salt and dry Goods. . .and Soon after with the Snow —— Cap^t. Smith from St. Eustatia bound to Ireland with Flax Seed and Fustick both of w^ch Prizes they ordered to the first Port of Safty either in the State of New Hampshire or Massas.— and shou'd be happy to hear of their Arrival Cap^t Hopkins took out of the Neptune 120 bales of duck & some other Articles.

John Deshon Esq^r. left this Place this day Week for Connecticut River determined to push out the Trumbal the next Tides, and if possible to get her into New London. she must be intirly stript of her Yards & Top Mast, & all her Stores even to a Swep't Hole that if possible to bring her to 9 or 10 feet Water with the Assistance of her Courses with Two Sloops she may get to N London in a few hours being only Twenty Miles distance. Nothing can prevent it except a Cale of Wind Easterly, or the Enemys Ships laying off by [illeg.] Cove. I Cannot doubt of his Success if the sound is clear of the Enemys Ships.

The Columbus has fell down the River³ five Mile below this Town waitg only a favourable Wind and Thick Weather to proceed to New London. we have Landed all her Stores, except 4 Swival Guns to keep off a Boat w^ch. brings the Ship to a light set of Ballast and must facilitate her Sailing, besides if she falls into the Enemies hands they will gain only an Old Ship—and Twenty five Men w^ch. we think sufficient to run the Ship to N London—

The Providence hath all her Stores on board for a Cruise. have inlisted about 100 Men in 10 days. Cap^t Whipple⁴ expects to have his Complement of hands in 8 or Ten days tho' I am very doubtful of his being able to Ship more then 150 in that Time altho the encouragement we give the Men, on this pressing occation is 90 doll^s. to able Sea men and 50 to Ordinary & Lands Men, to be deducted out of future Prize Money. we wish to have your approbation of this Measure, and also of our methods respecting the Columbus, Trumbal & Warren. we know nothing can justifie our departing from the Rules prescribed by Congress, but the absolute necessity of geting those Ships out from their long & expensive confinement. our motives & exertions are intirely governed by rules of oeconomy [and] of good of the service. I am [&c.]

P.S. this moment hear the Neptune is Safe Arrived at Boston.⁵