Sir,
Generall Desborough will acquaint you, how matters stood with us when he was here. Since that wee have this morning called a council of warr, to understand the state of the fleete, and to provide such thinges as are necessary for our speedye dispatch from this place; and I hope wee shall gett away with as much expedition as can be expected. This morninge capt. Ableson (whom wee had sounded whether he were free to this voyage, by reason wee knew of his relation to 607,) came on board us, and delivered us up his commission. I demanded the grounds of his soe doinge; he told mee, that it was meerely in relation to his wife, who could not beare his abscence upon soe longe a voyage; and said, that he did desire the commissioners of the admiraltie, that he might have beene employed in the Channel; but scince he is designed for this expedition, he could not undertake it in the respect beforementioned. He further said, that he judged the designe very lawfull, and that 607 had never disswaded him, but on the contrary perswaded him to it; tellinge him, it was a lawfull designe, and like to be a good voyage. There is but one more, that I can heare off of this gange, and that it is in the 609. Wee have heard, that in discourse he hath justified 607; and said, if he had beene in his case, he would have done as he did. Wee have given direction to his commander, to see whither he owne it or noe; if he doe not upon the testimonye of our informer, wee meane to sett him ashoare, judginge it more honourable to turne him off, then that he should take the advantage to leave upon dissatisfaction in his mind. This with thankes for your last which I received, and desiringe your favor to present my most humble dutye to his highnesse, is all at present from

March 7, 1655, Nasebye fregate.

Your most faithfull and obliged servant,
E. Mountagu.