Sir,
Your Letter of the 9th of March [sic April], with the Enclosure, was duly received and laid before Congress; in whose Name, I beg Leave to congratulate you on the Success of your Expedition. Your Account of the Spirit and Bravery shown by the Men, affords them the greatest Satisfaction; and encourages them to expect similar Exertions of Courage on every future Occasion. Though it is to be regretted, that the Glasgow Man of War made her Escape, yet as it was not thro' any Misconduct, the Praise due to You and the other Officers, is undoubtedly the same. I have it in Charge from Congress to direct, that you send a compleat List and State of the Stores taken and brought from [New] Providence with the Sizes &c and that the Cannon, and such other of the Stores as are not necessary for the Fleet, be landed and left at New London. The following Extract of a Letter from Antigua, I hope will be of Service to you. With that View I send it.
Antigua, March 26th 1776. The third Division of Transports will leave Antigua in a few Days, it is said for New York, under Convoy of an old East India Ship, mounting 16 Guns. There will be six in Number.
Wishing you the greatest Success and Happiness, I am [&c.] John Hancock Presidt
