As Mr. Watson waited on your Excellency with the Dispatches I had the honor to bring for you from Congress I did not write you untill the 7 Inst: when the Mercury was Clean’d and Ready for the Sea then acquainted your excellency with the same and that I was waiting your orders which was my Instructions from the Honble. Navy board at Boston & not having the honor to have an Answer from you I naturely supose my Letter never came to hand— Sr. I take this opportunity to acquaint you with the same & that the Mercury has been dropt down the River this 18 days past ready to Sail at the shortest notice having been Clean’d for some time I find my Ships Bottom begins to fowl very fast the season of the Year approaching that to gett a Passage on the coast of America often is attended with great difficulty the Mercury being a small Vessell & very low in the Water naturly will be more Exposed then a larger Ship these Circumstances considerd makes me Anxious to have your approbation for my Departure—
Sr. I am Your most Obdt: Huml Servt: at Command—