Nantes June 27. 1778
Sir—
Your Letter bearing date the 21st inst had the pleasure of recg and acknowledging by this Oppertunity as it is agred for the Vessel to stay there & be sold, would desire that you return back again to the Ship1 since it will be of no service to continue there I expect that the prize2 will be sold this Week shall send the Necessary Orders to Mr Gardiner3 and furnish him and the Men properly so as to Repair to the Ship with my Compliments to him and all enquiring friends I am [&c.]
A Whipple
LB, MiU-C, Abraham Whipple Papers. Addressed below close: “Lt Patrick Fletcher Isle of Rhé.” Notation in left margin: “1778/A W/to/P F/June 27.”
1. The “Ship” was Continental Navy frigate Providence.
2. Brig Lord Grosvenor.
3. Second Mate Nicholas E. Gardner.
