[Extract]
My Worthy Friend

Your kind favor of the 10th I've recd am much Oblig'd for your kind Congratulations on our Launching our Ship, we have most certainly been highly favor'd Sons of Fortune, in this matter, not one Accident having happne'd thro the whole Building, geting Masts in, and Rigging, our Top Gallant masts are all on End the Ship compleatly painted, ports all bawled up makes a grand figure, and to my (and no doubt your[)] great Satisfaction, esteemed by everyone, who sees her, as handsome and as good a Ship, as can be built in the Kingdom, (Seasoning of Timber Excepted)

I like the Resolutions of Virginia well, they ever have been firm as Rocks, near relatives to the Yankees, our Colony no doubt will be for Independance...the Houses have in great Measure lost the Confidence of the people, it is much to be Lamented to see the two Houses sitting at the Expence of One Hundred or more dollars p day, expence, and the most that is done is Puning, Laughing, appointing Officers one Day, Reconsidering the next, not one single Act yet passed of any Importance, the Prizes lay here Seven Months Uncondemned, for want of an Act, the Privateers determin'd not to send in any more, as there's no Law about...

Should I be appointed Agent I shall Resign my Seat at the house, if desired by Congress should be glad to know as soon as may be whether I am to tarry here, or not, should there be any new Arrangement in the Navey and Flag Officer come in the way you may remember me, if you please, unless some other who is likely to do much better is in the way ー I only mention this Supposg that several Flags may be appointed....