Dr Sir

Since I saw you in Newcastle, I have been treating with a Carpenter of this place, who engages to build and have ready for launching a Vessel by the Middle of October provided we procure three or four Workmen for him ー At present he has but two, and says it will take six hands to build her in ten weeks: ー The Dimensions agreed on are 54 feet Keel, 20 feet Beam and 8 feet Hold. The Dimensions of the Brig Lexin[g]ton Commd by Capt. Barrey [John Barry] is 58 feet Keel ー 21 feet Beam ー and 9 feet Hold ー The carpinters say her length will be a considerable advantage to her sailing ー Several Labourers have been employed two or three days in cutting the Timber and Keel ー the greatest part of the Plank is now ready ー and he fully expects indeed is determined to have her on the Stocks in three or four Days.

I would recommend it particularly ー nay request it as a Favor of Mr. McGarmot to ride down to Lewis Town ー Cedar and Broadkill Creeks and employ all the Hands he can ー the more hands the better for us ー she will be the sooner off the Stocks, and I am certain hands may be got down there ー I beg you may insist on Mr. McGarmots going down; as the Time is drawing fast that requires our presence in the English Channelー

I shall endeavor to get off from this Service in a few Weeks, and think there will be no great Difficulty in procuring a Discharge Was it not that I prefer the Sea to the Land Service, should continue a Soldier as long as there would be Occasion. ー²

Best regards to the Family and remain [&c.]