Dear Sir,

I have loud Call from y^e Secretary of the Board of Ordnance & War,¹ for a Return of all Ordnance & military Stores since I came into Office. I beg on Receipt of this you will be kind enough to forward me a Return as soon as may be not only of Ordnance & Stores but also of Tents Blanketts &c As M^r Secretary presses the Matter in a most earnest tho polite Manner. Sorry I am to acquaint you that so far as Cap^t. John Adams² may be credited who was a Passenger on Board the Raleigh³ when the Alfred⁴ was taken it is the most criminal Matter that has happen'd this War. Adams declares that the Raleigh with 230 stout fine fellows on Board lay to Windward & see the Alfred engage two Ships, the one he says could not be larger than a 24,⁵ & the other an 18 Gun Sloop.⁶ Hinman finding himself deserted by his Companion before bore right before the Wind, & continued a running Fight about an hour the wind being very light, when the very Instant Thompson order'd to let down the Foresail & bear down to them, the brave Hinman overpower'd by so superior a Force was obliged to strike, if he has survived the Carnage he & a very large Number of very useful Members are for a time lost to the Community by such Conduct, as in Britain would bring him to his Knees to receive the like Punishment a[s] Byng suffer'd,⁷ Im sorry the Post is stopped what is the Reason. If money is wanted I will gladly Subscribe your &c