Providence Octor 28: 1776
Srー
I Recd your Disegrable Letter and you are hereby Derected to goe Emedetly to Newport with the Alfred and if you think the Hamden will Not Do for the Cruse Capt [Hoysteed] Hacker and the Hole of the Hamdon Crue are to take the providence in [illegible] and folow the formor Directions if I Can will be at Newport to morrow I am your friend
Esek Hopkins Cmr Chief
1. Papers CC (Letters of John Hancock, and Miscellaneous Papers), 58, 177, NA.