Gentn 

I have the Honor to inclose you Bill of Lading for Six hundred & Sixty three Barrels of Powder, being Part of a Quantity which I lately received from the Continental Agent in France, for the Use of the different States; to be distributed amongst them, in Such Proportion, as their Wants may have a Call for —  ²

I am not confident that you will have occasion for So considerable a Quantity; but I could not let slip so excellent an Opportunity to secure it on the Continent, especially, as the present is a very favorable Time, on Account of the Season of the Year, to avoid the British Cruizers —

Upon the Arrival of this Vessel, you will please to inform the Committee of Secret Correspondence of it, which will greatly oblige Gentn [&c.]