[Extract]

I read your Favour of May the 18th with the inclosed Letters & am sorry to find that the Enemy had disposed of your Vessel; but the Fortune of War is uncertain & we must be contented therewith, ー I think it a happy affair that Capt. [James] Mugford took the powder vessel altho you Loss of so brave a Man is to be lamented. ー I am glad to find you are fortifying Marblehead, pray give by Compliments to Fathr Colo. [John] Glover and inform him that I wrote to Colo [Azor] Orne desiring that twenty good pieces cannon might be obtained of the General Court and repaired for your Fortifications, which I think will be adviseable for him to press as the Toun may be defended against Man & Ketches & Ships of War...I have just heard that Capt. [Richard] James in your Father Glovers Brig was chased by the Man of War & ran on shore ー his Cargo will be Saved but the Vessel lost ー I hope he is insured ー this happened at the Mouth of the Run [sic River].²