[Extract]
Sir,

The Council have desired me to inform you in answer to your favour of the fifth Instant that they have exerted themselves to their Utmost to forward the Continental Frigates but as the State is without Cannon and Seamen it is impossible that their exertions can answer the purpose. The Ships are now at Poughkeepsie, and we hope they will soon be rigged, which is the utmost we shall be able to do towards compleating them, We have informed General Putnam of our Destitute Condition and from the information received from General Green[e] trust he will fall upon some means to procure Guns and Seamen for them that they may be used intheDefence of the River. One of our Privateer Sloops is employed to guard the State Prisoners on Board the vessels in the River, the other is now at Albany — as soon as she returns she shall be sent down to the Chain, here she can be of but little Service unless men can be procured for her there. . . .