Sir

I arrived here the 11th inst. & deliverd Colonel [Joseph] Reeds Letter to the Chairman of the Committee in Consequence of which he calld a meeting of the members, the result was, that they woud deliver to my care 1200 barrells of the flour, and let me know what woud be done, with the rest of the Cargo, when they received an Answer to a Letter they had wrote to your Excellency, in which (they inform me) they express the great want of that article in this province ー As even a half a Loaf woud be better than no bread I told them I woud take immediate charge thereof, and yesterday I engaged two sloops, to begin the transportation, one of them will take in, this day.

I have engaged in behalf of the Continent to insure (against the enemy only) the Vessels, the Committee will appraise them, they are to receive one shilling Lawfull money p barrell, which at this season of the year is not extravagant, ー I find by haveing had a few barrells weighed, they fall short 3 . . 4 . . & 5 pounds, of the weight Marked on them, & as it will probably become a Continental Charge, I have thought it best to have them all weighed, that the publick, or the Commisary into whose hands they fall, may not pay for more flour than they realy have

As there are people in this town inimicall to the Cause, I think best (in part) to keep it secret where this flour is to be Landed, the engagements I have made are, that they must proceed to Newbury, Ipswich, Cape Ann, salem or Marblehead, according to the orders, I shall give them when going to sea. A Coppy of these orders, I have the honor of inclosing to you, ー I have appointed Trist. Dalton Esqr of Newbury agent for the Armed schooners, & any Prizes they may Carry into that port, & Colonel Joshua Wentworth for this Province, they are to obey all Orders they will receive from Headquarters I have the honor to be [&c.]

P.S. Your Excellency will be pleasd to order, two hundred and forty Dollars to be sent me by the bearor, that I may pay the freight and other Charges attending this business ー

[Enclosure]

Portsmouth 13th Octobr 1775

Instructions for Captain of the sloop

You are to proceed with the first fair wind to the Port of Salem, and deliver your Cargo Consisting of barrels of flour to the Care of Mr Hask. Darby at his Wharf, who will give you a receipt for the Same ー

You are by no means to go farther out to Sea than is absolutely necessary for the preservation of your vessel & Cargo. Hugg the shore all the voige as much as possible, Avoid every vessel you See and make all the dispatch you possibly can ー

by complying with these instructions, you will render the risque of the enemy trifeling, you will merit the Confidence of your Country, and you will be entitled to receive one shilling Lawfull money p barrell for your freight

Stephen Moylan