New London April 1. 1778
Dear Sir
The bearer Mr Jonathan Woodworth brings Twenty Men with him for which request to Mr Vernon1 to give him first Letcy of Marines on board Ship Providence,2 I imagine this will near compleat yr Compliment of Men for your Ship, I heartily wish you success in your intended Cruize and advise you of all means to wait for a proper time to sail,3 as the Enemy is no doubt apprized of your sailing. I think you cannot well have too much wind when you sail. if Mr Woodworth had more time he could easily enter more men f[or] the Cruize, I have advanced Mr Woodworth Twelve hundred Dol[lars] the Remainder of Bounty for each man you must make[.] I am Sir [&c.]
John Deshon—
LB, MiU-C, Abraham Whipple Papers, Letter Book (1778), 2. Addressed at foot: “To Capt Whipple Ship Providence.” Marginal notation: “J.D./to/A W/April 1. 78.” Deshon was a member of the Continental Navy Board of the Eastern Department.
1. William Vernon, member of the Continental Navy Board of the Eastern Department.
2. Woodworth was appointed first lieutenant in the Continental Marines on board frigate Providence. LB, MiU-C, Abraham Whipple Papers, Letter Book (1778).
3. Providence sailed from Narragansett Bay on the night of 30 Apr. See Diary of Captain Frederick Mackenzie, 1 May, below.
