Dear Sir,

Among the inconveniencies of this busy scene, I esteem it not the least, to be so often prevented from acknowledging the favors of my friends sooner than I do. It has been owing to much business that your letter of the 27th has not received an answer before now. I have the pleasure to acquaint you that in ranking the Captains of our Continental Ships, the Congress have placed Captain [James] Nicholson at the head, he being the first Captain. I wish it were in my power to give you a satisfactory answer about the building another Frigate. Hitherto nothing has been determined on this subject, the Committee having been prevented by an infinite multiplicity of other business; and to the same cause has it been owing t[hat] no orders have been sent concerning the Frigate Virginia. I have no doubt but that another Frigate will soon be directed, and that the Builder of greatest merit will be prefer'd. It would give me the greatest pleasure to hear that the Virginia was ready for Sea, and I am happy in being satisfied that the Managers of this business in Baltimore will not loose a moment in effecting so salutary a work. I suppose a want of Anchors will be the greatest obstruction, as I take it for granted no time will be lost in getting the guns down from Mr [Samuel] Hughes's works, and having the Carriages made. I shall be glad to have an exact state of the Frigate & what She wants to complete her. I refer you to the papers for news and am Sir [&c.]