Sir

The Marine Committee of Congress have heard with concern that the Squadron under your Excellencys command was on the 4^th instant supplied with no more than 20 days provisions, but you may be assured Sir, that accident and concurrence of Circumstances, not a want of Zeal and Industry to supply you has hitherto delayed the arrival of Provisions.¹ The enclosed papers will shew your excellency what orders have been issued from the Marine Committee on this subject, with the Measures taken and taking to comply with these orders.² The movement of the Squadron and the Number of the enemies Cruizers, between this place, the great resources of Provisions especially of the Bread kind, rendering a long Land carriage necessary have chiefly produced this delay. In future we hope you will receive a more regular supply, except it be of Salt provisions which the want of Salt, the great consumption of the army, and the Season of the year, renders scarce and difficult to be obtained. To your wisdom must be left the propriety of Spareing the salted provisions as much as possible, and using fresh whilst you remain in a Country capable of furnishing the latter in abundance, but for the reasons above given not well provided with the former at present. A considerable quantity of bread, flour, live Stock vegitables and water have been put on board the fregate Chimere³ and the Transports with her, but these I apprehend have not reached the Squadron. The Commissary General has fixed directions to supply your Excellency from time to time with Such quantities of Provisions as you shall call for.⁴ I have the honor to be [&c.]