New London August 21st 1777 —
Sir
I am sorry to trouble your excellency but necessity obliges me. I want four or five hundred weight of Pistol powder for Musketts on board the Continental Brig Resistance without which we cannot sail. Should be glad you would give me an order for Five hundred weight and will either replace it or be accountable therefor as you judge best. In behalf of Nathel Shaw Junr I am [&c.]
Thos Shaw
1. Conn. Arch., 1st Series, IX, 325, ConnSL