New London, Jan. 23d, 1776.
Dear Sir, ー
Lieutenant Elisha Hinman sailed for Philadelphia, in Sloop Lizard, Joshua Hempsted, Junr, Master, Friday morning, 19th inst.; wind at W.N.W.; continued in same point next day; Sabbath and yesterday N.E., this day N.W.; all the time, moderate breeze and clear weather; make no doubt the Lizard will be this day at Reedy Island, unless she meets the Fleet sooner. I thought it prudent to furnish the Lizard with six weeks' provisions, and twenty Sloop oars, to serve in case of distress, which, with all the other stores and provisions not used on the passage and charged in the accompt, will be delivered to the Fleet.
First Lieut. Hinman's crew, 48; Second Lieut. [Jonathan] Maltbie's, 16; Mastr David Phipp's, 18; total 82; deduct one of Hinman's men, Samuel Slack, left very ill with a fever, (who died this morning;) and possibly some charge will arise, that can't be known just now. Thought it not improper to charge the Sloop Lizard's hire, although not paid, as it must be paid, by Charter Party, in three days after advice received that she has performed the service.
You have enclosed, my accompt [with] Sloop [sic ship] Alfred, D. Saltonstall, Comr, amounting to £314 14s. 3d. Lawful Money, or 1049 Continental Dollars; which sum, desire you will remit me as proposed, to New London, immediately. I could not find any person that wanted money at Philadelphia, and was obliged to borrow of a friend.
Enclosed also, you have the roll of Lieut. Hinman's men, containing their months' pay, and billeting paid them from time of shipping to 13th instant, when they went on board the Lizard.
Thank you for the Journal of Congress, received some time since. This evening the western Post came in, and am not favoured with a line from you or Capt. Saltonstall. Tell him, all well, here and at Westerly. I am [&c.]