Gent I send you inclosed copies of the instructions & private Signals of the several men of War & transports on the American Station ー as these may be of essential service to the different armed vessels now fitting out in America, copies by order of Congress have been transmitted to the different Colonies, and I am ordered by Congress to acquaint you, that as they have bound themselves to secrecy, so it is expected that you will consider yourselves under the like tie, and the Copy you deliver to the Capt of your armed vessel, be under seal inclosed, to be opened after his sailing ー The public papers will communicate all the intelligence We have, except the arrival of 20 Tons of powder and 3000 stand of small arms in Connecticut ー We shall send forward some powder & arms to your province but I am sorry to say if we rely on foreign arms & they are not better than the sample we have, our dependance will be like a broken reed, as I think if used, they will kill more of our troops than the enemy, what those imported for our province cost I know not a parcel imported here on a private adventure, have been purchased by Congress at £3.25, every thing of this kind is exceeding high powder £ 17.10 PC much of this business passes through a Committee of which I am a member, patriotism sinks before private interest and I find many men here who rank themselves in that Class, generally exactg the most from the necessity of their country hence the publick is plundered ー We have sent off 10-6 pounders for the ship ー & shall purchse 2 more. Congress have appointed a deligation to Canada, the persons are Doctr [Benjamin] Franklin, S[amuel] Chase & Mr [Charles] Carroll of Carrollton ー I wish you would erect a powder mill in your province, I could procure you saltpetre. Y[ou]r Lets of the 1, 8, 9 & 10 Inst are come to hand & the contents shall be observed ー I am with Respect Gent [&c.]
Phila 16 Feby 1776
