Gentlemen

My last was of the 28th Ulto since which I receiv'd a letter from Lieutt [Ezekiel] Burroughs of the Hamden [Hampden] a Copy of which you have Inclosed, together with a Copy of the Agents and my Orders to Mr Allen Brown in Consequence of it ー this is the second time the Hamden has been fitted and mannd at a great Expence for the Sea, and I am realy afraid She is so week that it will be difficult to get a Sett of Officers and Men that will Venture to go in her ー I wrote you in my last that I expected to employ the Warren, Providence and Sloop Providence to assist General [Joseph] Spencer in a proposed Attack on Rhode Island, since which the Genl has acquainted me that he was disappointed in some Troops which he expected to join him and has Order'd what Men he had put onboard the Warren &c to be put onshore, which is done ー we are likely to remain in much the same Situation we have been in for some time ー Mr [Henry] Marchant who is appointed a Delegate for this State will Set out for Congress in a few days by whom I shall give you all the Intelligence in my power, and propose to try some way if the Navy here can be brought into some better regulations ー I am with great Respect Gentlemen [&c.]

To the honble John Hancock Esqr
President of the Marine Committee at Baltimore