Norwich 8th Jany 1777
Sir
this serves to Inform your Honr I have got So as to go out for 5 or 6 Days past the Brig Defence Still Lyes at New London the Br[e]ad is Near about Reddey I Recommend to your Honer to appint Mr Samuel Smedl[e]y the Barer to go as first Lewtenent the Docters has pached me up perhaps I may Serve for one Cruse if not I Deseir Mr Samuel Smedly to take the Command of the Brig Defence However hope your Honour will give Smedly orders to git Reddey to proceed to Sea as fast as posable if am wel a nu£ to go Shall be glad to Step on bord and push to Sea at the Same time Dont Dout a good Cruse your Honour will be kind anuf to Let me no what Mr whetmors [Prosper Wetmore] feas is that I may Sette} with Him 2 hope your Honr will Excuz my Incorrectness as I am not able to Rite as yet I am Sir your Honours [&c.]
Seth Harding.
1. Conn. Arch., 1st Series, IX, 87, ConnSL.
2. Wetmore was sheriff of New London county.
