[Extract]

I always forgot to tell you I have seen your letter to [Elbridge] Gerry, expressing Mr. [Chistopher] Gadsden's opinion about fixing out armed vessels and setting up for a naval power.² I thought it very happy to have so great an authority confirming my own sentiments, and having proposed in [Provincial] Congress just such a project the beginning of the session, borrowed the letter to support it. But yet I have not been able to effect it. [John] Pickering and his politics, the want of faith and ardor in Gerry, &tc., and above all the want of powder has prevented it. The last is an objection, though I think it would be like planting corn. Ten very good going sloops, from 10 to 16 guns, I am persuaded would clear our coasts. What would 40 such be to the Continent. Such a determination might make a good figure on your Journals.