Gentlemen

I left Newport the 26th October last -The Alfred & Hamden were then under Sail going out, but on the 28th I receiv'd a Letter from Captn Jones, a Copy of which you have inclosed-I set off directly to Newport, and found the Hamden so much damaged, that she must be hove out -I put Captn Hacker with all his hands onboard the Sloop Providence, and they both Sail'd yesterday with their former Orders -I went from there to Kings County to the General Assembly, and applied for an Embargo untill the Continental Fleet was mann'd; but fail'd in getting it by two Votes, owing to a Number of the Members being deeply Concemed in Privateering-I am at a loss how we Shall get the Ships Mann'd, as I think near one third of the Men which have been Shipp'd and receiv'd their Month's pay, have been one way or another carried away in the Privateers -I wish I had your Orders giving me leave, whenever I found any man onboard the Privateers, not only to take him out, but all the rest of the Men -That might make them more Cautious of taking the Men out of the Service of the States

I thought I had some Influence in the State I have lived so long in, but find now that private Interest bears more Sway than I wish it did -Shall go down to Newport in a day or two and do all in my power to get the New Ships, the Columbus and Hamden every way Ready for the Sea -though I think it may not be best to let any single one go for fear you might have some particular Service for a Number together-

A three deck Ship Prize of the Cabots arrived yesterday in the River.²

I could wish your Commissions would come for the Officers of the New Ships, or that you would give me Orders to Commission them, as they seem to be uneasy at not having them . I am with great Respect Gentlemen [&c.]