[Extract]
D^r. Sir

. . . a Ship at portsmouth from France with Cloathing¹ one at Cape Ann,² one arrived hears with d^o4 (and a Ship, Snow & Brig in sight,[)] Cap^t. Harreden⁵ Arrived with a prize snow from Bristol⁶ with Flour salt &^c. for New york, the Brig Lyon Warren,⁷ arrived at salem, taken a Brig from Bristol⁸ left her 5 days ago, the Ship Cumberland⁹ Arrived hear, with a Ship from England with Coales & for the Army,¹⁰ a prize at portsmouth with Beef &c. belong to a priverter of Newbury port—on the Whole privertering turns out but poorly, and our Marchantmen mostly taking, and Trade is all most over with ous, as we have Nothing to send in our Vessels but Lumber,—I wish it was intirely over, orders is gon out for men for Gen^l Washington's Army & for the north river¹¹ and am very Sorrow our Cuntry men is So Backward, but hope the good News you have by M^r. Dean¹² Some days past from hear is with you, and Old England I beleve is got into Bad Bread for M^r. French man at Last is put a Trick on them in declaring our independant,—now for Continental Ships in this Harbour, the Ships Warren,¹³ Rawla,¹⁴ Two Brigs [,]¹⁵ The Brave hindman¹⁶ of the Alfred is Taken by the Nelect of Cap^t. Thomson, all the men that is got home from the Alfreed, Saye if Cap^t. Thomson¹⁷ had come down thay would have Taken y^e Two English ships¹⁸ in one hours engagement. I wish some care might be Taken When Officers are appointed, and so the navy of the Unit[ed] States may not be in disgrace. Some Spur is wanted hear to git the Ships to see as now is the Time for them to be at see, I hope Soon to have the pleasure of Seeing you as your wife Told me you expect to be at home Soon, Farwell

PS
Excuse this for the man is in waiting Y^rs. G W