Philadelphia July 20th 1778
Hond Sir
... The former Commissions and instructions for armed vessels being Judged very Defective, the Congress some time ago appointed a Committe to make a new Draft & lay it before the Congress for their approbation, but by reason of the multiplicity of Business, it has not yet been Done as soon as any are printed, I will Endeavor to Send Some forward to our State....1
L, MHi, Meshech Weare Collection. Addressed on separate sheet: “The Honble/Meshech Weare." Addressed below close: “President Weare."
1. Weare had written Bartlett on 3 July that "there is sometimes wanted a Commission with Instructions, &c. for fixing out an armed vessell, and there is not a Blank Commission left in the State. Should be glad if you could procure some to be sent." The Historical Magazine, 1st. ser., vol. 4 (Oct. 1860), 298–99. Congress had ordered the Continental Marine Committee to revise the commission and instructions for privateers and letter of marque vessels. See Journal of the Continental Congress, 5 Mar. 1778, NDAR 11: 518–19. "At the request of Colo Bartlett," Henry Laurens, President of the Continental Congress, forwarded twelve "signed Commissions & Instructions for private Vessels of War" to Weare on 16 August, even though the Marine Committee was still working on revising them, MHi; George Plater to Governor Thomas Johnson Jr., 3 Sept. 1778, Letters of Delegates 10: 555.
