Gentlemen

Inclosed you have a copy of my last letter from this Coast We have manned the Mellish and Mounted her with Ten Guns I have given the Command to Lieutenant [Philip] Brown. — We this momg took the Snow Kitty of London bound from Gaspee for Barbados with Oil and Fish &ca by her I understand that the harbours in that District had been frozen up for some time before She Sailed — this is by no means an encouraging Account to me as it lays me under the greatest Apprehension that the port of my distenation may be in the same condition — besides the Stormy and contrary winds still Prevail and the providence and Alfred keep each a pump going — I will however pursue the Expidition while their is a possibility of Success — =I have hopes of being in one of our ports by the 10th of Decr meanwhile I have the honor to be with much Esteem and Respect Gentlemen [&c.]

1. Papers CC (Letters of John Hancock, and Miscellaneous Papers), 58, 101-02, NA.