Dear Sir

I have the Pleasure of informing you that it is propos’d to give you the Command of the great Ship we have built at Amsterdam.¹ By what you wrote to us formerly, I have ventur’d to say in your Behalf, that this Proposition would be agreable to you. You will immediately let me know your Resolution: which that you may be more clear in taking, I must inform you of some Circumstances. She is at present the Property of the King,² but as there is no War yet declar’d, you will have the Commission & Flag of the States, and act under their Orders & Laws. The Prince de Nassau will make the Cruize with you.³ She is to be brought here under Cover as a French Merchantman; to be equipp’d and mann’d in France. We hope to exchange your Prisoners for as many American Sailors: but if that fails, you have your present Crew, to be made up here with other Nations & French. The other Commissioners are not acquainted with the Proposition as yet, and you see by the Nature of it that it is necessary to be kept a Secret till we have got the Vessel here, for fear of Difficulties in Holland, & Interception. You will therefore direct your Answer to me alone. It is being desired that at present the affair should rest between you & me.⁴ Perhaps it may be best for you to take a Trip up here to concert Matters, if in general you approve the Idea.

I was much pleas’d with reading your Journal, which we receiv’d yesterday⁵. I have the honour to be [&c.]