Providence Jany 27th 1777 —
Sir
The Officers and People have seen Som Certificates from Captn [John Paul] Jones to Some of his Men by which they are apprehensive that the Prize Money is to be Sent to Philada to Mr David Sproat, which gives them great Uneasiness — and they have applied to me to use my Influence that the Money may be Stopp'd I therefore desire you to keep the Prize Money for the alfred & Providence in your hands untill the returns of their Crews are made to you So that the Officers & people may Severally receive it of you -I am in behalf of the Officers & people Sir [&c.]
E H —
1. Hopkins Letter Book, RIHS.