Sir

I just now received your favr of this Day, ² & note the contents. I regret the misfortune of the Vessell & the loss of Lives of any of our Friends, but rejoice to hear she has safely arrived with so much of an article of such importance for our Defence. have no reason to doubt of Cap Packwood's fidelity & utmost Endeavour to procure larger supplys. the base & cowardly arts of our Enemies to deprive us of the necessary means of Self Defence, have unhappily for us too far succeeded, but hope in Divine Providence which can save by means or without for all needed Protection.

I am not certain by your Letter how much Maj Thompson ought to have, or whether any, but if any it may be best He sho'd take it at Providence, but that may be better determined by Knowing how much if any of his money went into the purchase. & for the present I wod have it all delivered to Coll [Jabez] Huntington of Norwich or his order to be deposited there judging it more safe than to be Stored at New London & have wrote Him to send for it, & you will please to deliver accordingly, the muskets & other articles you mention, you will deposit in a Safe & proper Manner at N London, with the advice of Coll [Eliphalet] Dyer & Mr. [blank] who will be with you tomorrow, to remain till further orders  I have little or nothing of News which you are not possessed of, Cap [blank] can inform of anything I have had. this moment hear that Genl [Charles] Lee ([stricken] by the Gout) was carried into New York in a Litter, & that three members of the general Congress have [gone] to meet him there to advise on proper measures to be taken  I am sir [&c.]

P.S. please to confer with Messrs. Dyar & [blank] on the propriety of sharing the powder with Maj Thompson & in what proportions