Sir

I am happy in receiveing the dispatches from the secret Committe by this days post with directions how to conduct relative to the unfortunate Capt [William] Tokely & his New Master Capt [Elijah Freeman] Paine, with pleasure I acquaint you that after an interview with Mr [Samuel] Adams & Colll [William] Whipple concerning this affair, the same evening they left this Town ー I saw Capt Tokely & Paine together, & heard what each had to offer ー the latter is a man of great volubility, & realy offer'd such Arguments that I my self was not fully satisfied that the Fanny was not bound to London, he charg'd the Capt with the Crime of belonging to England, and that he was only mate of this same Brig some time ago imploy'd in being a victular to the fleet and Army, that the Brig sail'd very heavy, and that the Congress wou'd not have imploy'd a stranger to Command a heavy sailing vessell to go on such an Errand, the honest Capt never let me into the secret that he was not Master when this voyage was plann'd, which your letter inform'd me of ー however Sir I was so well satisfied of the integrity of Capt. Tokely that I dispatch'd him to plimouth the 15th Inst after obtaining the mighty boon from Paine to suffer him to repair his vessell and furnish'd him with letters of credit for what he might need, I set out this afternoon for plimouth where Capt Paine happens to be fitting his privateer ー I shall most strictly conform to your directions and hope my conduct may meet your approbation2 ー I am Sir with the greatest respects Yours & the Committees [&c.]