Dear Sir,

Since your brother left this City, Mr [John] Nicholson has been confirmed first Lieutenant of the Washington, and his worthy brother may be assured that in settling the rank of the Captains his merit will not be forgotten. It is not probable that the Frigates will sail in fleets for some time; and therefore tis likely that no higher appointment than that of Captain will soon take place.

It will be highly proper for Captain [James] Nicholson to hasten on the Virginia (for that is most certainly the name of the Baltimore Frigate) as much as possible. Her great obstruction, I fear, will be Anchors ー However, we hope that will be removed eer long, as measures have been taken to pro[cure] them

You will shortly see published the conference of our Members with Lord Howe on Staten Island, in which you will find that his Lordships much talked of powers, are no more than to confer & converse with Gentlemen of influence, and to prosecute the war! We anxiously expect here, the issue of a long Cannonade at [New] York, and another lately on Lake Champlain ー I am Sir [&c.]

Samuel Purveiance junr Esqr
Merchant in Baltimore Maryland