Sir

Your friend Mr Bartlett having laid before this board your Letter to him of the 14th Ultimo respecting the conduct of the Committee at Providence Rhode Island, on your applying to them for Cannon for the Raleigh, this conduct appears to us in the most extraordinary point of light, but as it is unbecoming of public Bodies, to condemn the conduct of any before they are heard in their own defence, We have wrote them of this date telling the points of which you complain and ordering them to deliver you a compleat set of the Continental Cannon in their possession those that are most suitable for the Raleigh, and further we have directed them to deliver you Shot or any other Continental Stores they have, if you think them necessary to expedite the sailing of that ship. we have also requested them to afford you any assistance in their power in transporting the cannon and Stores safe and soon to Portsmouth. We may not omit telling you that we have thought it only common justice to send Governor [Stephen] Hopkins a Copy of your Letter as the Commee were all of his appointment. We have said that deeming you a Gentleman of honor we doubt not but you will support the charge made against them, and under that beliefe we think it is justly your due and return you thanks for the information given us, as well as for your apparent solicitude for the public good. We have determined to have the Frigates inspected, and report made thereon. Before we close we must request your utmost exertions to get the Raleigh out to Sea, and the Captains and other Oficers Commissions will now go forward immediatly We are sir [&c.]