Dear Sir

As I purpose to sail thro the Fleet in the Independance this forenoon I am for the present prevented from having the Pleasure of seeing yourself and my friend M^r. Carmichael. I purpose to salute the Admiral in open day that no Evasion may afterwards be made. The Ranger wants Ballast, instead of 45 Tons, the quantity of Lead which I at first ordered for Ballast, I find there hath been only 31 Tons put on board this mistake, or Omission must be immediately remedied—perhaps Captain Nicholson will be so obligeing as to spare me 15 or 20 Tons of Lead as he has more than sufficient on board the Dean—if he will not that quantity must be had from some other quarter.—I understand that M^r. Ross has Lead at Normontier. I will see you in the afternoon—unless you will call on board the Ranger after the Independance has anchored.

My respects await Capt^n. Nicholson & the Gentlemen on board the Deane and I am [&c.]