Dear Sir

Your favor of the 6th inst is now before me I am glad the money has got safe to hand, the list of Officers you mention I suppose has reached you before now  I inclos'd one sometime ago²  I also gave you my Reasons for disaproving the Person you mention for 1st Lieut, I have no objection to the Mr [John] Roche you mention but am apprehensive his being appointed tvod make some uneasiness as there are many masters of vessels of good Carecters out of imploy & who perhaps will think themselves neglected,³ I shall nominate Capt [Thomas] Thompson the first opportunity, & think it won't be amiss to appoint such of the Warrent or petty officers as you think necessary  as to the other officers I think you might sound such persons as you may think proper & know what places they will accept without engageing them absolutely  the Canvas I hope will soon be with you but I very much fear it will be some time before you'll get the Guns, if they are to go from here I see no prospect of them 'till July, the furnaces are at work at Providence & by what I can learn have made a considerable number, I think it wod be well for you to take a ride there, you will then be able to judge of the probability of getting them from thence & on the first notice from you I'll get an order for the first guns that are made after the ships that are building there are supplyed, I shall lay your proposals for purchasing the Powder before the Committee this evening  shall also apply for Cash  you dont mention the sum you shall want, but my application shall be for the round sum 20,00⁴