Honor'd Sir

This will be handed you by Capt Harding,¹ and hope before this reaches Lebanon his health will in some measure be reestablish'd, soon after his arrival he took a bad cold, and at times has been so poorly as to occasion some fears of his being able to go to Sea this fall—he is now much better, and I hope this journey will compleat his recovery—Capt Harding has been indefatigable in getting affairs in the greatest forwardness—he has discharg'd the greater part of his people, has taken the Cromwell's² Masts out, which upon survey will want repairing, and she is now ready to go on the ways.—The Brig Defence is near ready to Launch Capt Harding has sur­vey'd her and is of the mind that she must be turn'd into a Ship—it will be attended with a great addition of Expence—Cap^t H: will inform your Excellency of the addi­tional estimate and of every perticular relating to the two Vessells—it is necessary to have the Officers of the Defence in Town, and that measures should be taken for en­listing Men, which shall be done as soon as I have your directions respecting the es­tablishment of your Navy—There are many articles which cannot be procurd in these parts—such Tallow, Cheese &c &^c: which I shall write to your Son for—and by the re­turn of the Teams shall send Salt.—The Doct of the Cromwell claims the Doctors Medecines and Stores found in the Weymouth Packet, as his perquisite, which I re­fus'd him, I suppose he waits upon your Excellency respecting them—I consulted the board of Warr before I gave a final answer to Captain H: about the Doctors hav­ing any perquesite whatever.—Hope Capt H: will not make a long tarry, as the Ves­sells will be fitted much sooner if he is in this Town, indeed Officers and Seamen are so prejudic'd in his favor, that I am fully convinc'd the Cromwell will be got to Sea, full two months Sooner with his presence than without—I remain [&c.]