My Dear Sir

I hope by this Time you have got over the greater part of your long and Tedious Journey to York Town.¹ & you will soon get through. & find all things to your Wishes. Nothing Material has occurred here since your departure but what you will have An Account of before this can reach you. We are now Enjoying the first fruits of our New Connections. several of the fleet from France are arrived: with large quantities of Cloathing &c. & A French Man of War of 36 guns.² so that your beloved Harbour looks quite Brilliant. I want you should Enjoy the prospect from your Windows. The public & private Persons are treating the Officers of the French Man of War with every Mark of Respect. & I Understand they are highly pleased with Your Town Tomorrow the Council Entertain them with A public Dinner at Marston'[s].³ I am to be one of the Guests. you will certainly see among the Toasts. the Congress, & the King of France. You will remember the Embarrassments of the Navy Board for want of Money. & our Embarrassments Increase with the great Accumulation of Business which grows on us every Day. with six Sail of Ships & Brig^ts on hand in this Port. & A Number of Other demands we cant at this Time Command 500 dollars. we have indeed some Warrants on the Loan Offices but can get no Money. You will also remember the provision for the Members of the Board. the Cloathers Otis & Andrews⁴ are in great difficulty for want of Money & should be supplied to preserve any kind of Credit to the Continent I Wish you every Happiness & am Your Sincere Friend

M^r Hancock⁵ talks of going in a day or two