[Extract]

...Yesterday, Mr Smith & my self made three unsuccesful Attempts to get the Fanny Maned out of the Colonial & Continental Services here, & to day he goes to try to get hands otherways, You will do well to procure an Order of Congress upon the Commanding officer here for me to be suffer'd to Man the Brigt out of the lines wherever I can find men in them that are fit & Willing to go to sea. this will provid[e] against Mr Smiths being further disappointed...