I Did not conclude my letter 'till I was enabled to give you a Satisfactory Account of the Present Expedition. ー I took command here the 22d and finding that we could not Man the Ship and two Vessels without Wasting too much time ー I concluded to leave the Providence and Proceed with the Alfred and Hamden ー I took the men out of the Providence and her Prizes which Made up my Muster Roll here to 140 or upwards

but When I was ready to proceed on the 27th the Hamden was run upon a Sunken ledge which Knocked off her false Keel and she hath Since continued to make so much Water that we concluded her unfit for Sea and therefore have Shifted the men into the Providence. ー I am once more in readiness and hope to take my leave of Rhode Island to Morrow Morning. ー I am however duely sensible that the Expidition cannot but fall greatly Short of what I might have effected had I been inabled to Proceed a fortnight Sooner. ー I hope the A. Doria will be included in the next expidition wherein I am concerned. ー If Mr [Joseph] Hewes is in Philadelphia ー I must beg you to make my apology for not writing and, if you Please, Shew him this and my former letter ー I have the Honor to be with great Esteem and Respect Sir [&c.]

Honble R. M.