[Extract]

...The Fannys fate is so discourging that I scarecly know how to be making proposals to you to order a further Purchase of Tobacco, but I am of opinion myself that small Vessels with it, may easily be got out of Hampton Port under the Direction of our famous Capts [James and Richard] Barrans I shall write them immediately to know their Sentiments on this Subject & inform you of their Answer, if they Determine that it can be done, the Tobacco must be got in that neighbourhood, it will be too expensive to fetch what we have bought from Cumberland Town, There is a very fine Ship in James River that brought the Highlanders² she will carry between 4 & 500 Hhds, & I do not know what our navy Board intend to do with her, I shall apply to them to put off the sale or chartering of her till I can hear from you, if you direct her to be loaded I suppose it must be purchased unless you have our Present Stock carted about 26 Miles, it would cost I suppose about 15/ p Hhd the Ship is pierced for a Number of Guns, I am Dr Sir [&c.]

The Fanny cannot be maned without the Order from Congress, & other vessels may be manned in the same way³ ー