Sir,

We have thought the expence of an Express warranted to carry you the inclosed, some of the contents, demanding the most serious attention, & the quickest possible change in the situation of things, that made those observations necessary. It is very true that we have exerted ourselves, but in some instances we have been unfortunate and the difficulty of getting ships and seamen is certainly very great. However, you will see that ballances are against us, and considerably so, both in the West Indies, and in Europe. That in consequence of this, our credit is hurt, at least with Mr Schweishauser [John Daniel Schweighauser] who seems unwilling to go an inch beyond what he has in hand. Good often springs out of evil, and so, by the Friendship loosing her topmast, she made for Chesapeake and is safely arrived here with her cargo, which might have fallen into the enemies hands if the Brig had kept on for Delaware. We shall take care of this Cargo here, but the Vessel we wish your advice & assistance about. We are agreed to charter her again if this can be done on terms that you approve, and here she may be immediately loaded, with Tobacco at least, and ordered to the place where you judge remittance to be most wanted. Will you Sir do, and advise us in this, what you think best. The Captain of the Friendship will wait here until the return of this Express — You will see the advance made by our Agent for arming the Brig. The books of the secret Committee are not here, nor any of the papers, so that we are illy fitted for conducting the business properly.

Mr. [Alexander] Gillon having imported into So Carolina, on his contract, 37,559 lbs of Gunpowder 500 stand of arms & 620 bushels of salt, we have paid him for the present £3500 this currency, for his part, upon account. We learn from Colo [Benjamin] Harrison that a Ship sometime loaded by his son in James River remains for want of seamen.

P.S. We inclose you an order on Meade & Co for £481.7.11 Pen. Cury —

The Post coming in just now we shall send these dispatches by her. The great prospect we have of most valuable importations coming to Delaware, makes us very anxious, and we wish for many swift sailing Vessels without to give notice The Lexington will sail hence in a few days for this purpose —