Sir

The Marine Committee have directed me to inform you that the Hornet Sloop is now returned from her Cruize, during which she has been extreamly leaky as Captain [William] Hallock the Bearer hereof will inform you. The Committee have come to a resolution either to purchase the Sloop or deliver her up to you as they will not any longer hire her, but as the greatest part of the materials she now has on board belong to the Public they wou'd prefer buying her at the valuation, to stripping her and when you consider that she will be a mere wreck when so stripped, and that the Hull is old and Schattered I should immagine you wou'd readily see that it is more your Interest to sell than to receive her back in such bad condition, as you will have the hire to this Time in addition to the price. You will upon the whole receive a great sum for her I am Sir [&c.]

P. S. if you will not sell pray appoint some person to receive her