Sir

I received your favour about four weeks since by the hand of Doctor Boyd, wherein I found you advised me to join Capt. [William] Rogers, but understanding Rogers was gone to the Sound in order to refit, and what more induced me to keep to the southward, was my having expectation of meeting with some of the fleets, who I much expected this way, but have been deprived of that satisfaction. There appeared six sail one day, and seven sail the other day, but they are all large ships under strong convoys, so there was no doing any thing with them, and every day frigates cruising along this coast. Three days ago, fell in with a ship and sloop tender, about ten guns, the frigate being about a mile and a half from the sloop, and was determined to give the sloop battle, but could not bring her to battle. I have been assisting in bringing in this and Egg Harbour Inlet, 2 prizes taken from the West Indies by 2 different privateers; one of those prizes I had much trouble with, and, in short, was three days at work getting the other into port, which lay aground on the bar of Egg Harbour, a ship of three hundred tons, laden with sugar, rum and molasses, bound ー to Bristol.

I am too well informed that your city is invaded by pirates and ruffians, which I hope in God to hear a good account of them, and that very shortly. My provisions grow short, and in a little time shall want a new supply, unless I fall in with some of the enemy's store vessels; but as for that I can not promise myself, but will discharge my duty in the search of them; and as for being supplied by the way of Long island, I believe there is no prospect, as I do imagine the troops intend landing on the said island. My bread is but very indifferent, and does not keep good, although it is aired every fortnight, yet it moulds fast, and believe it never was made of sound flour. You know I laid in only four months' provisions, and you may judge how long what remains will serve me; my people begin to want many articles, and I would be glad if you will send me some cash, as I may furnish them with a little. I have advanced of my own cash to the officers and men, thirty-nine pounds. The custom out of Philadelphia, is to advance half of their wages monthly, and beg you will send me whatever you think proper, and charge the same to me. I beg your advice in every respect, and any instruction given me, shall gladly comply with it. Myself, officers and men, are willing at any time to march to your assistance, on the shortest notice, and am willing to sacrifice both life and every thing to serve my country. Whatever instruction you may have, let me have it by the bearer, my chief lieutenant. I remain with due respect, &c

To Thomas Randle, Esqr. Member of the
Provincial Congress in New-York, or any
of the Marine Committee.