[Extract]
No 9.

... We have also received a Letter from Messrs [William] Paca & [Robert] Alexander of the 2d of this Month, and are sorry to find we are likely to be disappointed in our Prospect of geting Cannon from New-York or Philadelphia; as they were immediately wanted for carrying into Execution the Resolution of the Convention for fortifying the City of Annapolis and Baltimore Town, and as we are not certain whether Mr Hughes, tho' he has already begun casting the nine-Pounders with some Success, may be able to comply with his Contract for the heavy Cannon, with the Convention in Time. Those purchased by Mr Paca, we intended for the Ship Defence, which is getting ready with all possible Expedition... We have been long in Expectation of receiving the Powder from Messrs Willing and Morris, which they engaged to supply us with and for which the Money was lodged in their Hands, but have not as yet been favored by them with any Thing on that Head, we need not acquaint you that it is an Article, we stand much in Need of and that the Convention to relieve our present Necessity had agreed to take five Tons of that made at Philadelphia from the Salt Petre lately imported, in Part of what we were to have had from those Gentlemen; we shall be obliged, if you will know of them, when we may expect the five Tons and what Prospect they have of procuring the rest contracted for by them and favour us with their Answer ー