Gentlemen

I Received yours of the 21st and as you Did Not write me Concerning the Sailors wages I thought it my Duty to acquaint your Honr board that the few vessels Now fitting out in this place Gives from 11. to 12 £ pr month for Common hands, and officers Wages is what they please to ask, mates has 15 £ pr month as I Shall have but a few Seamen this passage I think it be Reqesit to have an officer of merines it is much wanting in a harbour, and at Sea they Serve to Work the Guns — If you think it proper, I Shall be glad Mr Bond may have the preferance —

I Cant Ship a Sailor for want of articles and then as I agree with them I can make them Sign and be on the Sure Side —

When I git the articles I Can git men in Great plenty by telling them I Shall have a Commission, & I hope as I had the promise Last voyage, & as I Sail for lowe wages and Refused good offers in vessels that have made fortunes, this voyage I hope according to promise to have a commission and Doe Sum good for my Self & Country Capt [William] Stone Came the 18th instant with the Bale£ and a parcel of men, to take the Brig But I Def ended hir With 4 men & Still keep presesion, though the Sheriff putt his hand on the Side & Said he Deliver'd hir as Capt Stones property & Sum thing Strange that a man to Deliver a thing he Cant git presesion off I am Gentlemen [&c.]