[Extract]

. . . the Marine board² is not organiz'd here, the marine department Suffers for want therof, the Boston has been arrivd About a Month — at an Eastern port, and is now coming up our harbour. I deplore the loss of the Hancock Frigate, Several of poor Manleys men have got here from halli­fax I have reason to believe he has done honour to his Country. The Lee Capt Skimmer has been saild about a Month, I am daily expecting the Arrival of some prizes from her tho we've not heard from him since he sail'd. I verily believe if had he been in the Frigate in a certain Situation, we shou'd not have lost either of the Frigates. I look on him to be Equal in Judgment & Spirit to any man in the Northern Department, he carries a strict Command and yet his Men merely Idolizes him. I shou'd be glad to obtain an Order on the Commissary here for Pork for the Navy — if the Boston fits out soon, its not in my Power to Supply her with that Article unless some shoud be sent in, there being none to be purchased in this State. . .