F CONGRESS.

Boston, February 4th, 1781.

Sir,

I do myself the honor of informing Congress, that I arrived at this
place on the 25th ultimo.

After passing two days at Morristown in fruitless expectation of
meeting the Commander in Chief, I proceeded to head quarters, where my
conference with the General, on the objects of my mission, detained me
three days. The impediment of floating ice in the North River, which
induced the necessity of crossing it much higher than at the usual
place, and other difficulties of the season, will account for the rest
of my delay on the journey.

Upon delivering my despatches to the Navy Board, I found, that the two
indispensables, men and money, were wanting to fit the Alliance for
sea. I urged the necessity of the most prompt and decisive exertions
on their part. They returned me such assurances as left me no reason
to doubt, that the General Court would authorise an impressment to
complete the deficiency of our crew, and that a sufficient supply of
money would be procured. This determined me to devote the interval of
preparation to making my visit to New York. On my return this day, I
learned with great surprise and mortification, that the motion for an
impressment had been rejected, private motives having superseded those
of general good. In these circumstances I was obliged to apply to
General Lincoln for authority to engage such recruits of this State,
and such soldiers of the invalid corps, as might be qualified for the
marine service. This resource however has afforded us but a few men. I
have just obtained permission from Governor Hancock to enlist
volunteers from the guard of the Castle. The Navy Board has
commissioned a merchant of popularity and influence among the
seafaring men, to offer a tempting bounty, with such precautions as
will prevent uneasiness among those who entered for a smaller
consideration. I am now addressing the principal merchants to spare a
few men from their ships, to be replaced from the Navy Board. In the
mean time the rendezvous of the frigate continues open.

But these are all precarious expedients, and my expectations are by no
means sanguine. Nothing however shall be left unattempted; if my
prospects do not brighten, I shall try the effect of a second memorial
to the General Court, and finally insist upon Captain Barry's putting
to sea with the crew he can obtain by the middle of the week. There i