[Extract]

Sir This Colony has been so unfortunate as to employ two Brigs one afteranother both of which have proved bad Sailors, the last of the two beingwell recommended, was purchased by this State and fitted in the best manner, this indeed, by Divine Favor was successful in taking one Ship and Brigin Nantasket Road near Boston, and afterwards assisted in taking another Ship in the Bay, of which you have received information ー² Capt [Seth] Harding, the gallant Commander of her, complains that she is a dull Sailor and not fit for the Service ー There is a Sloop of 150 Tons, Bermudas built, brought from New Providence by Commodore Hopkins which the Captain informs might do well to be turned into a Brig³  The Cloathing and Military stores on board our Brig Defence, may be put on the sloop, and she fitted in a very short time to proceed on a cruize again[st] our Enemies ー Our request is, that this State have the Sloop at apprisal, or on such terms as the Honble Congress may judge reasonable; that so she may be fitted and employed accordingly ー Colo [William] Williams, who brings this, and comes to take his seat in Congress agreeable to the appointment of our General Assembly, will inform fully on the subject, which renders it unnecessary to add, only my hope for a favorable answer ー