Sir

The Assembly of Massachusets Bay having represented the necessity and utillity of fitting out with all possible expedition One of the Frigates built in that State and that under your direction, to Cruize on your Coasts, in order to take or drive off the enemy that now infest them, and having offered their Assistance to equipp and man these Ships, and also handed us the Copy of a Vote or resolve of your honorable Assembly to the sake purport ー We have determined to comply with their wishes, so far as depends on us, and have this day given the necessary orders to Mr Cushing Captain McNeill and Captain Bradford for getting their Ship ready.²

We are therefore to request that you will exert your utmost endeavours to have the frigate under your care compleated immediately.³ You will accept the assistance of your Assembly or the Committee the[y] appoint for that purpose ー You may either purchase or borrow suitable Cannon, Swivels, Blunderbusses, Muskets, Pistols Cutlasses, Pikes, Ball, Shott, Powder &c: &c: You May apply to the State of Massachusetts, to the Honble Mr Cushing, or to any of the Continental Agents in the neighbouring States for Materials or other assistance you stand in need of and this Committee on behalf of the United States, will pay all just equitable Charges that .you or any of them incur in effecting this business, so that we hope Captain [Thomas] Thompson will soon be able to join Captain McNeill in this enterprize which ought to be kept as secret as possible. We are Sir Your freinds &c &c