Ship Montgomery, July 13, 1777.
Gentn
Enclosed you have a copy of a letter just received from the honourable marine committee, at Philadelphia.2 Agreeably thereto, I should have done myself the pleasure of waiting on you at Esopus, to join in filling up the commissions and warrants for the officers of this ship, but thought it im prudent to leave the vessel at this juncture, for fear of a sudden invasion.
I have the pleasure to acquaint you that the privateer Camden and both galleys are manned and in a proper state of defence, and my ship is also in great forwardness, and make no doubt but we shall be able to give the enemy (when they approach) a warm reception. Capt. [Thomas] Grennell, I am informed, is at present absent; of course, the command of the naval force here devolves on me, and you may depend I shall exert myself in the execution of the trust reposed in me.
My three best cables have been spliced together andstretched acrossthe river, which I hope (and doubt not) will answer thepurpose intended.
At the foot hereof you have a list of the gentlemen I beg leavetorecommend as my officers, and would be extremely glad to receive their commissions, together with the pay list and rulesand regulations of the navy, as soon as possible.
The warrant officers I have not as yet engaged; the blank warrants I should (if agreeable to you, gentlemen) be likewise glad to have, in order to fill up, when men qualified for the different stations offers or falls in my way. Your [&c.]
Robert Castle, first lieutenant, at present captain of the Camden privateer. Abraham Lewis, second do. at present captain of the Lady Washington galley. Wm. Matthewman, captain marines, entered on board May 20, 1777. Henry Bicker, first lieutenant marines, entered on board May 20, 1777. Thomas Elting, second lieutenant marines, entered on board July 6, 1777.