Sr 

The General Assembly of this State have ordered that the House at present made use of as an Hospital be immediately cleard. I have at present under my care upwards of twenty Sick men [be]longing to the Fleet. I know not what to do with them without some further order. I should think it would be best to take up some suitable building to lodge them in, and furnish it with such utensils as should be tho't necessary and take care of them all togeather. The present expence would be less than to lodge them at private houses and many inconveniencies be avoided, Whatever furniture is provided now will be ready for any that may have the like occasion hereafter. However, I submit the whole affair to your superior judegment but beg your Order in the present case.

I should be proud to be employed by you in taking care of any of your Fleet that may at any time or place be so unhappy as to require the assistance of a Surgeon or Physician. I am sr with due respect [&c.]

To Admiral Hopkins