Gentlemen The Bearer Captn [Ephraim] Bowen is despatchd by his Excelly General Washington to superintend the equipping of an armed Vessel to intercept the Enemy's Supplies ー As he is somewhat of a Stranger the General begs your kind Assistance to him in this Business Particularly in procuring Guns suitable for the Vessel ー We make no Apology for the Trouble we may give you as your Spirit & Zeal in the publick Cause make it unnecessary ー

I am by his Excellys Order Gent, [&c.]

Camp Octr 13, 1775