Philadelphia Jan 8th 1776.
Sir,
The Congress have ordered the Secret Committee to purchase and bring in for the use of the Navy and Army sundry articles which were under consideration before you left the Congress. At my request, the Committee have directed me to inform you, that they are willing one vessel should be sent from our Colony for that purpose if a proper loading for the European market, such as fish, potash, bee's wax &c can be purchased reasonable.
If you think it will answer and agree to send, you may charter a vessel and procure a loading, and forthwith inform the Committee that they may direct what goods and the quantities you are to send for, and remit you the money to pay for the cargo: this will be of the same nature of your former contract.
Your friend Wharton tells me he has some money in the hands of Mr. Tracy of Newburyport, for which he is willing to draw and receive the money here, which will save some expense of conveyance. I think seven or eight hundred pounds L.M:
You will see the necessity of this Committee's being informed of your determination on this affair as speedily as possible.
Last Saturday [January 6] Major Patton's brig arrived with above fifty tons of salt petre, and a few days before another vessel brought 3 tons and a half of powder.
Our fleet fell down the river the latter end of the week.
Please to inform me of the present Situation of our Colony affairs and don't forget to put our Convention in mind to send somebody here, to relieve me as soon as convenient.
I am [&c.] Josiah Bartlett
January 9th I have now a proper agreement drawn which ー now enclose; if you like it, you will sign it and forward it back as soon as possible. You will give orders concerning the money to be remitted to you. Yours ut Supra
J. B.
N B. 23 tons of powder arrived at New York.