Sir
I Recd a Letter from a gentl man taken by the alfred and Providence and In Closed you have a Copey of my answer to him 2 and Sence I have recd a Second a Copey of which you have In Closed I am in formd by the officers that thare Was Upward of forty Bales and packiges markt with his Name and with out I Could be Informd [of] the Contents of them I Can be No Judge whare it would be prudent to give all of them or Not as I understand if thay are given him it will give Sume Oneasyness to the Officers Consarnd however you have my Leave as far as I am Consarnd to Do what is Right in that mater although I Know no ordr of Congress to excuse aney property.
The Barer Capt [Elisha] Hinman as a Comision to Comand the alfred from the Congress and Comes Now to take Charge of hur Should he want aney assistance from you Dought Not But you will grant him Such Suplys as will enable him to gett hur to Sea with Despatch Capt [Joseph] olney Likewise Comes to take Charge of the Cabot to which Vessel he is apointed by Congres who you will also Suply with what is Nisesarey to gitt hur to Sea I Should think the former Comanders Should take a Receipt of the Present Captens and Logg the Same with you for all the Sto[r]es and privizons which may be on Bord at the time they take them, so that Each may be accountable for what is Right I am Sr with grate Esteme [&c.]
on Bord the Warren Jany 13. 1777
