[Extract]

Give me leave to hint to you my Opinion that it would be a Saving to our State in the Way of Supplys, if the Board of War would consign the Cargoes which they order here to a Merchant of good Character rather than to the Master of the Vessel. Possibly there may be some Exceptions; But I have Reason to think that a Cargo which arrivd about a Fortnight ago, consisting as I am told, chiefly of Rum and Sugars which were scarce Articles, was sold at least 30 pCt under what it would have f etchd, if it had been under the Direction of a Person acquainted in the Place; and Flour is purchasing by the Person who bo't the Cargo, and I suppose expects an Allowance therefor, at an unlimitted Price. I am perswaded, if you had by a previous Letter directed a Cargo to be procurd, you might have had it 20 pCt cheaper. If the Board should be of my Mind, I know of no Gentlemen whom I would more freely recommend than Messrs Samuel and Robert Purvyance. They are Merchants of Character, honest and discrete Men, and warmly attached to our all-important Cause.

But I get out of my Line when I touch upon Commerce. It is a Subject which I never understood. Adieu my dear Friend. Believe me to be yours,