Dear Sir,

This goes by express early tomorrow morning ー it is determined in [Marine] Committee this evening to urge the appointment of the Captain for your ship tomorrow; there is no doubt but what [Thomas] Thompson willbe the man; if you and he will talk with such persons as you think proper for Lieuts and marine officers and let me know who will accept, I will havethem commissioned. It's idle to have the Commissions filled up before we know whether they will be accepted or not; you may engage the master and all warrant and petty officers that you think necessary as soon as you please. I know of no objection to the men being shipped only the uncertainty when the guns will be ready. Just received advice that two small privateers belonging to this place have taken three Jamaica men with very valuable cargoes 24000 dollars in specie; the money is arrived at Egg Harbour but the ships are sent to the Eastward. I fear they will fall into the hands of the enemy ー now is the time to pick up homeward bound West India men. It's now 12 o'clock; high bed time. Good night.