Sir,

Since the stores and goods have been engaged and getting ready, I have made inquiry of several merchants respecting the charter of vessels for America generally, without mentioning what their cargoes should consist of, and have written in the same way to some of my correspondents, and in the whole, I find I shall not be able to provide them as early as is necessary at any rate, and I fear not without making their destination and object too public. You will recollect that I mentioned my apprehensions of this subject some days since, and now propose (if consistent with your other engagements,) that you would take the procuring of the vessels necessary on you, at least, as far as to be security for the payment of their charter. It gives me pain to put this additional trouble and expence on you, but I know that you think nothing within your power is too great to be undertaken for the service of the United Colonies of America, whose grateful acknowledgments must equal, though they can never exceed your generous exertions in their favor at this critical and important period of their affairs. These vessels will return with cargoes on your account, which, with what will probably arrive from other remittances, will enable to proceed to the greatest extent in executing the great and liberal plan you have proposed. I shall do myself the honor of waiting on you to-morrow morning on this and other affairs; mean time I am, with the utmost respect and attachment, Sir [&c.]