Sir

My two Letters¹ by the Admiral Keppel & Cyrus² Prizes, I hope your Excellency has received with the two Prizes. My reason for not convoying them in, was those mentioned on account of the Small Pox, which Sixty of my men was then down with one of which since dead.—I continued cruising³ about four weeks to windward of the West-India Islands in Company with Cap^t. Parker⁴ in the O. Cromwell but unluckily fell in with none but French & Dutch Ships. By this time my Warter was almost expended, and had concluded to go into Martinico, to resist⁵ Cap^t. Parker advised me to proceed down the Islands with him where it was likely we might fall in with some homeward bound Ships & from thence to this place. I considered that it would be much best for the State for the Ship to repair in some Port on the Continent as the natural expence might be so much easier replaced—We accordingly made the best of our way, and arrived here the day before yesterday all well—tho' the President⁶ has ordered our Ship to ride quarantine on account of our having had the Small Pox on board during the cruize, tho' am in hopes it will be but two or three Days, as there is not the least infection now on board—I expect to be ready for Sea, in about three weeks, when I shall proceed on another Cruize which I wish may prove successful—

your Excellency may depend there shall be no time lost, in fitting the Ship, and that my utmost endeavours to serve the State shall not be wanting—Am Your Excellency's [&c.]