Gentlemen

I have the honour to inclose you an Account of goods sent forward to the Army six weeks since, out of the Livelys Cargo. On the Arrival of Messrs [Abraham] Livingston & [William] Turnbull we consulted on the most Eligeble method of furnishing them Gentlemen with the remaining part of that Cargo wanted by the Army, and concluded to sell at Auction, Accordingly we began the publick saie — Mr Turnbull attended it — Mr Livingston, being out of town and on a declaration made by Mr Turnbull that what he bought was for the Army — such was the gerterosity of the people that no one bid upon him, excepting one of the Captors once or twice — Mr Turnbull it seems got a large quantity of Check shirts at six shillings — a large quantity of shoes at 6/. — this occassion'd a noise among the Captors and I saw an impending storm — I talk'd to Mr Turnbull on the subject & give him my opinion that it was not the wish of the Honble Congress to debar the Captors of any advantage that might arrise to them from the high price of goods — as two thirds of the Cargo already belong'd to them. I expected from what past he would have given a more generous price the second day — but it seems on the finishing that days sale the Captors with their Agent came open mouth'd and bitterly complained of the unfair method taken to sell the goods — Mr Turnbull on the other hand complain'd he is obliged to give more than he could wish and fears his Constituents will blame him — I stand in such a scituation that its difficult to shun blame from the one part or the other however I don't know that either party have yet found fault and hope to stear clear of reflections — it happens to be very unluckey . that this should happen just at a time when the two frigates are getting their hands for the sailors propagate it that the Continental prizes were given away for half price — it seems at the close of the second days sale a Gentleman offerd Mr Turnbull a hundred Pr Cent on his purchase — this got among the Tarrs & created great bickerings & uneasiness among them — however — I have with the assistance of some friends calm'd them with a promise that the other part of the cargo should be an open fair sale were no one will be ahed for bidding — ² as the goods sent forward where not appris'd here, as soon as I know the amount of them from those who valued them at head quarters I will pay of [f] the sailors — we sent a man forward with them to get them valued, but such was the scituation of matters then that our man returned with only a receipt for the goods — I know not till an hour since of this opportunity by express — who is just a going of[f] — therefore must conclude with the greatest Respect Gentlemen [&c.]

N B Notwithstanding an estimate is sent forward of the cost of altering the Alfred ³ I am of an opinion the Ship Mellage [Mellish] with an equal some [sum] will make a much better ship of war —