[Extract]

The Ships and Brigs of War, fitting out here, are almost ready for Cruise. Two of them were to have gone down the River last Sunday, had not the plenty of Ice hindered. The Alfred, which is the Commodore Ship, makes a formidable Appearance. She is fitted to carry upwards of 30 Guns. The Columbus, is another noble Ship, upwards of 30 also. The Brigs 16 each. ² Ezek. Hopkins is Commodore. Abrm Whipple Captn. of the Columbus. John [Burroughs] Hopkins Capt. of the Brig Cabot. Henry Tillinghast, Surgeon's Mate of the Alfred, and Enoch [Ezek] Hopkins junr. & Rufus Jenkes, Midshipmen. By this, you may judge in how high Estimation New England Men are here.