Dear Sir

I have sent to the Navy Board respecting the Flour, and am informed that they have rec^d. about 300 Barrels which is not more than their present demand for the Shipping.¹

Captain Tracey² has been to Salem in order to purchase the wet provisions lately arrived there in a prise, which I mentioned in a former Letter;³ the owners have set the most exorbitant price on the Provisions, nearly one quarter more than the market price. To purchase them at this rate is attended w^h. double disadvantage to the public, first in giving more than the common price & secondly, enhancing the price of Provisions in general. If you are not under a pressing necessity for salt provisions, prudence & policy dictate that we should discover some indifference in the purchase of this Cargo ‘till they fall to a more reasonable price, and as the greatest part of the provisions which were at Westborough will be turned your way perhaps you will have a tollerable supply of salted meat, of this I wish to be informed as soon as may be and will endeavour to do all in my power for you.—
15^th. Yours of the 13^th. from Major Lyman⁴ came to hand this morning. In consequence of a Letter received from Governor Greene on yesterday I sent on addressed to him or his order 38,000 Musket Cartridges & ten Barrels of Musket Powder—hope it will arrive in season.⁵

Hoping soon to hear of the signal success of the Army under your Command. I have the honor to be [&c]