Gentlemen

Inclos'd you have a letter & Inventory of the Frigate the Count of Maurepat ² it is the same Vessell that I saw at L'Oriont & Called the St John, I think her Inventory is very short & will want a Large addition if fitted for a Ship of Warr, the Defishencys I Hope will be pointed out by Capt [Samuel] Nicholson when translated into Inglish I hope Capt Nicholson will be Able to make the Necessary Addition but least he should not be Able to recollect all the Necessary articles, I shall readily & willingly Give all the Assistance in my Power. I think the price very high, but submitt that to your Superior Judgment I shall be very glad to hear from you as soon as possible Mr Gourlade is Desireous of having the Fitting of this Ship & I have promised to Recomind him to your Honours for this Service, as I am persuaded he will do it on as Good if not better terms then any Other person, at that port & with more Secrecy. he also rnention'd two Officers, whom he can Reccomend as proper persons for Officers for said Ship. as to the Officers I Shall Referr him to you for answer as well as for fitting the Ship out from Gentlemen [&c.]

The St john is 114 feet Keel 36 feet Beam 13 feet Hold 6 Do Between Decks She has only Made one voige & is Now All New Built her Riging Spars Sails Anchors Cables an:d All other Stores and Materals are All New & of the first Quality her guns Appear very Good but ought To be prov'd previous to thier being put on bord This precaution Will be Hjly Nessesary as the Guns has bin Laying by Some time If the Inventory is Not At Parris I Will Desire Mr Gourlade to Send it Immediately or Will Send it myself If it Comes to my hands

L. Wickes