[Extract]
​Dear Sir

. . . I advised the Marine Committee of Congress of the Capture of three British Vessels and the steps that had been taken in consequence thereof, in two Letters, one on the 18^th: May by Richardson¹ who was sent off with dispatches from the House of Assembly, and the other by M^r. Telfair of the first of June requesting instructions how to conduct the business.² Upon a presumption that you are a Member of that Committee I think it unnecessary to recapitulate to you what I wrote them upon this business. I must add however that the Vessels were taken on the 19^th: April, that as soon as they were brought to Sunbury every step was taken to prosecute them to effect, in consequence of which they were Condemned and Sold, but to this day I have not received a Shilling of the Money, the Soldiers that were concerned in taking them Murmur at not being paid their share of the prize money, and some of the Officers I understand are not much better satisfied.—³

I understand that General Howe⁴ and Colonel Elbert are like to dispute about the distribution of the prize money, the former claiming his share as commander in chief and the latter disallows the claim, as the General was not present when the Vessels were taken.—As these Vessels were taken by a detachment of the Continental Troops and the Gallies,⁵ I apprehend there is room for endless disputes amongst the Officers unless they will settle the Shares amicably among themselves, which does not seem likely to be the case.—

When I was first appointed Continental Agent here the Marine Committee advised me thereof in a Letter, dated 14^th: November 1776 and at the same time told me they should instruct me more fully at some future time;⁶ but I have never been favor'd with their instructions to this day, farther than was conveyed generally in that Letter._ I could wish to be fully instructed with respect to the duties required of me by the public, especially where any of the Officers of the Army or Navy may be concerned; as Colonel Elbert who was concerned in taking these Vessels disputed my having any right to interfere in the Business, notwithstanding what the Marine Committee say in the Letter above mentioned and the concurring testimony of M^r: Walton.-⁷ I wish to be fully informed of the method of distribution of the amount Sales of Prizes taken by the Continental Troops, if there is any bounty allowed by the Congress for every Gun of Board Vessels of War taken from the Enemy and what, the distinction made between Vessels of War and Merchantmen, Transports or Store Ships; if 'tis necessary that prizes (after condemnation) shall be sold by the Sheriff, tho' I should think not from the Letter wrote me by the Marine Committee which says, “if any prizes are sent into Georgia by the Continental Cruisers you are to receive them, Libel and prosecute to Condemnation, then make public Sale of Vessels, Cargoes and all effects that are Condemned.” I wou'd be glad to be fully informed upon this head as the Sheriff who sold the prizes before mentioned has not accounted for a Shilling of the Money, and I expect to have a good deal of trouble before I shall be able to bring him to a settlement and get the amount Sales out of his hands.—⁸ 

The Continental Troops some time past were a good deal distressed for want of necessaries, no Money was to be got out of our Treasury and the Commissary and Quarter-Master were at a loss to procure Provision and necessaries for the[m.]⁹ I have advanced a good deal of Money for the use of the above Officers and purchased Medicines and other necessaries at the request of the General since he has marched with the Army on the Southern Expedition to the amount of about Six thousand pounds Sterling the whole amount that I am in advance is about ten thousand pounds which I shall be glad if you'll please to advise me how I shall be reimbursed as I did it to serve the Troops when they were really in distress; of which I presume General Howe will inform you.—

I hope you'll please to excuse the trouble I give you, as it is upon business of some consequence to the public as well as my self and I have experienced your readiness to communicate necessary information formerly. I am with great esteem [&c.]