Philadelphia 13th Decr 1775
Sir
I was astonished to find by a Letter from Mr [Thomas] Mumford that You was shipping live Cattle on Acct of the united Colonies, there is an express Resolve of Congress that no horned Cattle, Sheep Hogs or Poultry should be exported and it must be owing to the great Haste in which your Permit was made out that it may not [have been] expressly inserted you was informed however of the Purport of it by Mr [Silas] Deane as he recollects & (I think by Me Mr Shaw[)] You will therefore if the Vessels have not sailed instantly stop the Exportation of any live Stock mentioned above: The Necessity of the Strictest Compliance with every Resolve of Congress you are well sensible of I doubt not therefore your immediate Compliance as you value the Interest of your Country am Sir [&c.]
Sam Ward
P. S. Be good enough to send Me by next Post a Copy of the Permit
1. Shaw Papers, NLCHS. Ward was a Rhode Island delegate in the Continental Congress.