No 249
Sir

We are well satisfied that Mr [John] Gibbons is worthy the Trust to which you have recommended him, therefore have appointed him Captain of the Friendship, being confident that you would not recommend any man, that was not hearty in the cause of America — Pray push out all the vessels under your care as fast as possible — the sooner they get out of the Capes, the less danger from the Enemy, as we daily expect two Men of War will take their Station there — Salt up one hundred Barrels of Beef as Soon as you can and buy up 300 Bushels of Salt lately come in, the Council want a great Quantity more, but do not care to rob the people too much.

[Annapolis] Novr 6th 1776