Gentlemen

I have just receiv'd your favour of ye 3^d: ⅌ Post. Note the Contents, respecting my taking part in the Gen^l: Hancock,¹ my reason for being discouragd was the hearing by severall differant persons a Charracter, that she was a verry dull Sailor one in particular who belongs to the Ship Oliver Cromwell² that took her³ & is now mate of one of her Prizes in Boston who declard here he would not go in her as a Privateer as she could not come up nor run away from any thing—

But as Cap^n: Hardy⁴ has taken the Vessell. I will take the part mentioned provided it does not come to more than the agreement which was One thousand pounds. as I have great confidence in the man knowing him to be a good honest & Brave fellow, I am Sattisfied he will man her as soon as any man whatever. I am inform'd that M^r: Brewster⁵ has got a number of men at Middletown some of which I believe has satt out for Boston—

I expect him here in a day or two when their is severall here will enter as their has severall apply'd to me I do not think their will be any difficulty in gett^g. them My Father goes to Boston in a few days by whom I will send you the money & you'll please send me a Bill of Sale I dont know but I could help you off with a small part more should you now hold more than you incline to keep—please send me a Line by next Post Ill return you an answer—h^g. noth^g. materiall to add remain with esteem [&c.]