Ephraim Bowen to Colonel Reed

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Plymouth, November 1, 1775.

HONOURED SIR: I wrote you on Sunday last from Bristol, wherein I gave you an account of my proceedings, which I hope was agreeable,as I made all possible despatch.

I waited at Taunton until Tuesday noon, when the guns arrived. I immediately procured carts, saw them loaded, and proceeded to this place, where I arrived this morning, and the cannon, &c˙, afternoon. I have sent, per the bearer, the formers for the cartridges; also, the commission, which Captain Wormwell declines taking, as Captain Martindale has engaged his First Lieutenant, and Wormwell does not choose to go Second; so you will please to appoint a Second Lieutenant in his stead. Captain Martindale says he wants two bolts of ticklenburgh or osnaburghs, for topsails, &c˙, which he desires you will send immediately; also, the men, as he can find employment for the most of them, and thinks he ought not to have less than eighty. There is much more to be done to this vessel than I expected, and Captain Martindale seems to be determined to have nothing wanting; so that I fear the expense of fitting the vessel will not be very agreeable to the General.

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Captain Colt set sail again yesterday, but unluckily run aground again; but hope to get him off this evening, to sail with Captain Manly, who put in here to-day. There are ten carriage and ten swivel guns for this vessel, so you will send cartridges accordingly; also, some loose powder, for priming, &c.

Since writing the foregoing, Captain Coit' s schooner has got off, and will sail in the morning. Mr˙ Rowland, the master of Martindale' s vessel, would be glad to have a commission or warrant, and desires to know the terms he goes on.

I am your humble servant, EPHRAIM BOWEN.

To Colonel Reed.