Sir

Since our last to you we are informed that the Galatea a New 20 Gun Ship with the Nautilus of 16 Guns are gone to Cruize of[f] the Capes of Virginia These ships you will endeavour to fall in with and take or destroy in your way to Cape Fear. We are also informed that the Raven of 20 Guns & the Sphynx of 16 ー have quitted Georgia and South Carolina but where gone we know not. You may take with you to the Southward both the Rhode Island Frigates as well as the Cabbot if they are ready, and we write to North Carolina to have two fine Brigantines belonging to that State in readiness to join you, they have 16 Guns each and near 100 men. You had best send one of your Fleet into Occracock Inlet for them as they are in there ー We understand the sloop Providence Capt Jones has put into Rhode Island, you may add him to your Fleet and then you'l be very Strong, As this Service to the Southward is of much publick importance, we expect from Your Zeal and Attachment to the Interest of the United States, that you proceed on and execute this Service with all possible vigor and despatch. Wishing you health and success we are Sir [&c.]

P. S. We are informed that two British ships of War passed the other day along the Jersey Shore, Steering Southward. We know not whether to Cruize off the mouth of Delaware or to join the Southern Ships. But we deem it highly proper that you provide yourself with a very quick Sailing tender commanded by a Spirited sensible and Skilful man to precede your Fleet and bring you intelligence of the number force and situation of the Enemy's Ships. It might not be amiss for you to remain a short time within the Capes of Virginia until the Tender should reconnoitre & inform you of the State of things at Cape Fear.²