Sir,
In compliance with your request at our interview of yesterday, I send you inclosed copies of my commission, and an extract from my instructions which will fully satisfy you of my being authorized to make the purchases Ihave applied to you for. To understand this extract, it is necessary to inform you that I was ordered to make my first application to the ministers and to procure the supplies wanted of them by way of purchase or loan; and in case the credit or influence of Congress should not be such under the present circumstances to obtain them from that quarter, I was instructed then to apply elsewhere. My application to the minister and his answer I have already acquainted you with. With respect to the credit which will be required for the goods and stores which I propose to engage of you, I hope that a long one will not be necessary. Twelve months has been the longest credit my countrymen have ever been accustomed to, and Congress having engaged large quantities of tobacco in Virginia and Maryland, as well as other articles in other parts, which they will ship as fast as vessels can be provided; I have no doubt but very considerable remittances will be made within six months from this time and for the whole within a year; this I shall in my letters urge Congress to do. But the events of war are uncertain, and our commerce is exposed to be affected thereby: I hope, however, that at least such remittances will be made you, that you will be able to wait for whatever sum may remain due after the credit we shall agree on is expired, having the usual interest allowed you.
I send you also an invoice of the clothing and of many articles of the furniture and stores necessary for our army, in which I can not be so particular at present, as it will be necessary to be hereafter in case you undertake it; but as the articles for the uniforms can at this time be ascertained as well as ever, I have made out a detail of them; though my instructions speak of but 100 brass cannon, and of arms and clothing for 25,000 men, yet considering the importance of the articles to America, I shall, (if to be obtained) venture in a larger quantity, the probability of some part being taken, with other circumstances, will, I think, fully justify me therein. But it is improper to add on this subject until you resolve whether you will undertake, and on the terms, which I presume you will do. As soon as you shall have obtained a translation of this and the enclosed, I will do myself the honor of waiting on you; In the mean time, I am, with the utmost respect and attachment, Sir, [&c.]