D^r Sir

I was extreemly concerned to learn by your Letter of the 5^th. Instant, which I received yesterday, that you have met with so much bad weather and been so unfortunate as to have sprung your Mainmast. If it should prove too bad, to be rendered Serviceable by fishing, the sooner You send me the Dimensions the better, as I may immediately set about providing you with a new one.—¹ The four Hay Ships are arrived at the Town;— I hope before this the rest of the Convoy with the Isis. are also arrived in the River.² 

What can have become of the Admiral?—³ It is impossible to express the anxiety we are in on his account, as ten days have elapsed since his Lordship was off New York. I hope we shall find He has gone back thither, and that He is not all this time beating about at Sea. 

The General⁴ is somewhat disappointed at his Letters not having gone to Rhode Island.—If you should leave the River before the Eagle comes in, You will be so good as to leave the Letters onboard the Pearl with Captain Linzee.⁵ 

The Vulture (which I have stationed from the Brown to the Narrows) is in want of Fuel. I have therefore sent the Elk down to her with Coals, and a Supply also of that Article for the Zebra at the Cape;—⁷ by that Conveyance you will receive this Letter. 

I have no News of any importance to Send You from hence;- the Fort at Billingsport is now held by the Jersey Volunteers, under a Colonel Vandyke;⁸ and as the Country People daily come in, it seems to promise many advantages. 

I have the honor to be [&c.]