Gentlemen.

In the month of December last you were kind enough to permit my landing a quantity of mdze from on board the Snow Potomac which mdze still remains in store under your direction, and I would beg leave to remark that I do not deem it safe in its present situation, as it is exposed to the mercy of any King's cruiser that may be ordered this way ー Yesterday's post brought me a letter from one of the proprietor's requesting I would with your permission remove a part of it to the head of Elk, there to be stored till the times were more favorable for the disposal thereof ー I request your indulgence in this matter, under such restrictions as you may deem reasonable and also, that you will be pleased to allow me to distribute [the] remainder in such parts of the town as you may deem most eligible for its safety; the sooner you take this matter into consideration the better, for every day increases the danger its subject toー

I am very respectfully Gentn [&c.]