Dear Sir

I Congratulate you on your safe Arival in sh[eepscot River] Could wish it had been nearer to Portsmouth. am sorry to hear your prize is re­ taken, and Manly like to share the same fate that is the present account hope not True

My present purpose of sending to you is to acquaint you with the Situation of the Raleigh and to know yours also, prehaps something for the good of the Service might be don when those things are Explaind — we are down below in the Harbour 150 men Guns and stores of all kinds will be Compleat in 4 or 5 days Nothing but men will hinder us sailing Sunday week — the Alfred, I expect from Boston this day. She is to Joyn me on a Cruize being all mand and fit for Sea — Should any ships atempt to Block you in we being well acquainted with the Circumstances might prevent it or perhaps you might wish to Joyne us at Portsmo when you know our Situation. If I don't get People belive Could get Volenteers for any short Expedition. Shall expect you give me your oppinion Explicitly and what you Intend — if we meet the Continintal Signals will be Oservd betwen Both — Jones is here Commands the ship Ranger, built in this place, late Roch [John Roche] — not in Condition for sea yet — If you can engage mor men then you want should be. glad of them I am dear Sir [&c.]

P S Mrs McNeal & Famely is well — A Flag From Halifax now in Ports see the Fox brought in