Sir.

Two British Ships of War have long infested the Trade of this Commonwealth. Their usual Station is near our Capes. One of them is a 40 Gun ship. The other a Frigate. The Number of Prizes taken by them, is great & the Damage to our Trade excessive.

As your State is so deeply interested in freeing the Bay from these plunderers, Commodore [Walter] Brooke waits on you with a State of our Marine, in order if possible to form a Judgement, whether any Effort can be made by our joint Forces, to expel the Enemy from our Coasts. From the low State of our Navy, you will perceive the Necessity of applying to you for your Cooperation. If our combined Forces shall be tho't Sufficient to attack the Enemy I have to request you will inform the Commodore of every thing relative to the speedy Execution of the Attempt. If on the contrary our Forces are not equal to the Attempt, I shall be happy in contributing every thing possible towards obtaining the necessary Reenforcement.

The Interests of Maryland & Virginia are so closely combined, that I need not observe to you Sir how necessary it is to harmonize in this important Business. 'Tis but, little this State can do towards assisting or improving your Marine, but that little shall always be at your Service. We have some Galleys on the Stocks, but I fear we shall want Guns. And if they could be got from you, 'twould be very seasonable. Perhaps some contenental Vessells may assist; but there's Difficulty' in getting them round.

A free communication of your Sentiments on this Subject will much oblige me. Mr Brooke has Directions to act conformable to the Plan you may settle with him. I beg Leave to refer you to h'im for the Explanation of such other Particulars as it may be necessary for you to be informed relative to this Business. With great Regard I have the Honor to be Sir [&c.]