Sir

Your favour of the 5th Instant came Safe to hand the ninth by Express; pursuant to the desire of Congress, gave the necessary Orders for our largest Vessel (:which was the only one we had any way Suitable for the purpose:) to Sail Immediately on the proposd Cruise; but I am Sorry to Inform you, that on Attempting farther to prepare for the Voyage, find the Vessel not in a condition to proceed on that Service, and wholly out of my power, after utmost endeavours, to comply with the desire of the Congress in this Respect, with Such dispatch as may be of any Service, which gives me great uneasiness. Govr [Nicholas] Cooke acquaints me also that their only Vessel fit for this Duty is absent upon a Cruise; I am advised however by General Washington that Two Vessels from Massachusetts Bay are Ordered on this Service. I am, [&c.]