[Extract]

Mr William Warner, the bearer hereof, hath undertaken to go mate on board the Brigantine Minerva, burthen 113 Tons, an Armed Vessel ordered to be fitted out for Defence of our Coasts Capt Giles Hall, to be comander. ー This young Gentleman, son to Capt Oliver Ring Warner of Newport, now residing at Middletown, coming on business to Providence and Newport is instructed to procure a good Gunner for the Brig ー As he is acquainted with the Seamen in your Colony, thinks he can inlist some number of Sutable men for the service among his Acquaintance there, ー applied to me to know whether they may be accepted if he should; have given him for Answer ー that I am not sollicitous from whence the men are inlisted ー and shall accept them provided it be not disagreeable to you, or the Gentlemen of your Government

Please therefore to be so kind as to promote him in obtaining a suitable person to be Gunner, and let him know your pleasure about inlisting Sea Men within your Colony for this Service ー It is hoped this Measure of fitting [out] Armed Vessels for Defence may be a comon Benefit ー We are fitting out another of about 42 Tons ー Shall be glad to know what your Government hath done in fitting out Armed Vessels.ー