No. 1.

Sir, Upon enquiry of Mr Stephen Steward about water-casks for the use of the armed vessels belonging to this State — we are informed by him that he had purchased thirty two hundred Weight of Iron-Hoops for that purpose, which Hoops you had intercepted, and now detain from him — and he is thereby prevented from forwarding that necessary Piece of business. — This Proceedure of yours appears to us to be very extraordinary and a little out of the Common road. We are therefore only to request, that you deliver the Hoops immediately to Mr Steward or his order, that the vessels, which he is fitting out, may not any Longer be detained. —

[Annapolis] Novr 12th 1776.