To Hoysteed Hacker Esqr Commander of Sloop Providence —

We the Subscribers take this Method to Acquaint You of the present Situation of our Vessel & Crew. Since the Afternoon of our Chacing the Brig which we made Prize of, We have Leak'd in such a manner as to oblige Us to keep one Pump constantly going, owing to our being Obliged to carry Sail hard, & the Wind blowing very fresh, which straind her very much — The last Night being obliged to lay too by Reason We could not carry Sail as She kept both Pumps constantly going; Should we meet with a severe Gale of Wind it is our Opinions both pumps would not keep her free unless We scudded. — We have a quarter part of our hands Sick and the Prizes we have taken will still reduce our Number, as they are of great Value — Shoud You think proper to continue us farther to the Northward we are ready & willing to do every thing in our Power for the good of the Expedition, but we are of Opinion it will too much Endanger the Vessel — 

On board Sloop Providence Lat: 45 . . Long 58.45 November 14th 1776		Adam W Thaxtor	2nd Lieutenant
		William Earl	Mastor
		Joseph Allen	Acting Lieutenent
		William Weaver	Cheif Mate
		Jeremiah Ingraham	2nd Mate
		William Allin	Midshipman
		William Wardwell	Do
		Stephen Rust	Do
		Daniel Lorrance	Do

NB. The first Lieut being on Board the Prize Ship ²