May it please your Excellency

We are about fitting out a Brigantine of twelve fourpounders to cruize on this Coast, as a private Ship of War, but are likely to be disappointed in Guns of proper dimensions.— As we understand there are some belonging to the State, such as we want, and which are not in use at present, Can we obtain the favor of your Excellency to spare us the above number either to be paid for immediately, or return’d in kind at a future day your Excellency shall appoint.—

Short Guns that weigh about seven hundred weight, will suit our purpose best.— We have the honor to be [&c.]

8 Guns wanting either three or four pounders¹