Gentlemen

I stoppd at Newhaven on Wednesday, and found the Brig Hampden near ready for the Sea as Mr Lawrence inform'd me all but Men and Officers which she had none ー Captn [Hoysteed] Hacker had not got there I left Orders for him when he came, to get as many men as would be sufficient and come with the Brig to New London ー I came to New London thursday Morning, did not find Mr [Nathaniel] Shaw at home but leam'd that the Schooner and Bomb Brig were both Sold with all their Stores² ー So that at present I do not know of any Vessel that can be had that will answer ー How Mr Shaw came to Sell them and their Stores, or by whose Orders I can't tell ー I likewise found the Cabot was gone out on a Cruise. She had been gone out about a Week, and have no knowledge how long she is to Cruise nor by what authority Captn [Elisha] Hinman could undertake to go out, as he had my Orders when I left New London for Philadelphia not to go to Sea without he receiv'd Orders from the Marine Committee or from me ー³

I came here yesterday ー have not yet seen Captn Saltonstall, but hear the Alfred is about five miles below with about forty Men including Officers onboard ー having Spared Some to Captn Biddle, and a Number to Captn Whipple, who sail'd on a Cruise in four days after he got home, with One hundred & Seventy eight Men onboard

As soon as I get a little over the Fatigue of my Journey, shall set myself about Manning the Alfred ー Should be glad to know when I get her ready whether I may Send her out under the Command of her Lieutenant Mr Jonathan Pitcher, who I believe to be a prudent Capable Man ー Should be glad of your Sentiments to know whether you approve of Captn Hinman's Sailing with the Cabot, as I believe he has gone without Orders from any Person ー Mr [George] House who you appointed Lieutt of the Brig Hampden is gone out in the Columbus ー If you think proper to appoint Mr Walter Spooner a second Lieutenant, that he may act as first until House gets on board, I believe it will be best for the Service ー I am Gentlemn [&c.]

P S. I hear a Sloop of Dunmores is carried into the Eastward by one of there Privateers loaded with Tobaccoー