Providence May 22nd. 1776 ー
Sir
I sent the Providence last thursday with all the Soldiers which belong'd to your Army that could then be collected ー since I sent three by Capt Williams and there is some Sick now here which shall send as soon as well ー some few I believe is deserted or gone by Land ー
The Cabot and Andrew Doria both Sail'd last Sunday Morning on a Cruise to the Eastward ー The Columbus hope to send soon ー The others I am afraid cant get away for want of Men as the Men onboard the Fleet continue very Sickly it makes it difficult to get either & want it2 for that Impediment the Sailors are mostly taken up in the several Armies & otherways so that it will be with great difficulty the Fleet here can be Mann'd ー the two new ships are Launched & will be soon ready if men could be had
I receiv'd Orders to send to Philadelphia a Number of Cannon which if comply'd with will give great Uneasiness in this part of the Country ー I am with great Regard [&c.]
Esek Hopkins
1. Washington Papers, LC.
2. In the letter book copy in RIHS the words are "was it not."