Rose, 1st February, 1775
Sir,
The Provisions I have already demanded should be glad to be sent on board as soon as convenient. The Bread is the last wanted and of that only 8000 lbs. as we have a Quantity of Marine Slops stowed in the Bread Room is the reason we can't take so much as I proposed: suppose the best part may come this week if the weather permits. Be pleas'd to send an Invoice with them. pray taste the Butter for we have not a Bitt on board fitt to eat for ourselves. my Health will not permitt me to stirr out of the Ship yet, but I pray God it won't be long first, when you may be assured of the first Visit from Your &c.
Wm. Lewis
We shall compleat to three Months very soon in March to be fitt for Sea. Be so kind to send by my Boy 3 pds. Tea. hope Mrs. Champlin and Family are well. Let us know when we may expect the provisions by the Bearer. no Beef is wanted now. I suppose the same allowance of Callavances as of Pease allowed to the Men.
1. W. C. Ford, ed., Commerce of Rhode Island, 1726-1800 (Boston, 1915), II, 4, 5. Hereafter cited as Ford, Commerce of Rhode Island.