Gentlemen,

Above you have copy of my last Letter dated at Wichcasset 16^th ulto since which I arrived with the Boston at this place, but when I shall reach Boston, or even Portsmouth, is uncertain.

The Enemy keep such a look out and are so Numerous that 'tis no easy matter to Slip throu among them —

Three Nights agone we had four Sail of their Frigates off this Harbours mouth in full sight and by a letter now in my hand from the committee of Safety at Newb'y Port, it appears That four Ships and a Brigg are Station'd in Ipswich Bay, besides those Stationed in Boston Bay.

Thick weather for a day or two has hid them from us, but in clear weather they are allway near in with the Land —

They Seem now to be posted in three divisions, within the distance of forty leags Coastwise, one division off cape Elizabeth and a Little to the east'd of it, the Second off Portsmouth tending South'ly towards Cape Ann, the third division between Cape Ann and cape Cod —

Notwithstanding all this I hope by the Blessing of God upon our care and good conduct to Save the Boston for a More fortunate cruise then has been our last —

There are so many different reports Circulated concerning Capt Manley, That I know not what to write at this time — I am Still in hopes, that he has Escap'd the Enemy and gone to South Carolina. Happy had it been for himself and all concerned, if he had taken so much of my advice the day after we took the Fox — but alas his Obstanicey and want of refflec­tion at that period, will for ever furnish him with matter for repentance.

When I endeavour'd to persuade him to go to South Carolina, my reasonings were grounded on the following circumstances —

In the first place, The Enemy were well Acquainted with the time of our Sailing from Boston and with the length of our intended Cruise (the latter might be known by the quantity of provisions taken in) which was only for Six or Eight weeks —

2dly Our falling in with the Sumersett in the Tract for New York on the ninth day after we sail'd. This Ship's arivall at that place would be the means of heastning our crusiers after us, either from York or Rhode Island.

3dly The Exceeding bad pollicy he had been guilty of in turning away upw'ds of one hundred men lately belonging to the Fox within Six hours after She was taken, Those men were put on board Some fishing Vessells, and made the best of their way for St Johns Harbour which was then within 24 hours Sail'g of us. at the Harbour of St Johns Lay Admiral Montague with the Romney and Some other Ships of war — and to me it appear'd probable that he would use his Endeavours to recover the Fox, by sending out as many Ships in quest of us a he could muster — Those Ships of his might be joined by Others from Halifax, so that with the help of the Ships already spoken of from N. York & Rhode Island, chain of cruisers might be form'd between Cape Sable, and Nantucket Shoals which 'twould be difficult to pass —

After considering all these things, I was totally Against returning home by the way we went out — Therefore I earnestly requested that we might immediately make the best of our way for South Carolina — there refitt & Clean our Ships, and if Capt Biddle could be ready to come out with us so much the better — With four Ships like ours; we might do much Service to our Country & ourselves —

Capt Manley Express'd much willingness to follow this plan at first, when I made him Acquainted with it by my Letter of the ninth of June last — but in a day or two he changed his mind, and his course, and not­ withstanding all the remonstrances I could make he continued cruising three weeks or upwards to no purpose, Except that of going farther from home thereby giveing the Enemy more time to take the proper steps for intercepting us — On our return.

Part of the Consequences (namely the Loss of the Fox) you are but too well acquainted with by this time — What Capt Manleys fate or mine will be, is not altogether yet decided. May God Strengthen the Hands of the Congress & Save our Country by his Mighty-Power, join'd with their honest Endeavours, for Sure I am that they have but indifferent prospects from the ability of many of us Employ'd under them. — I am Gentlemen [&c.]