Dear Sir

Your much [es]teeme[d] favour of the 5th of Septr came to hand yesterday. I have the pleasure to tell you I ar[r]i[ve]d here the 26th Ulto after an agreeable passage of forty Six days. I am of opinion a House settled here by a person who has good connexions in America would answer very well on the plan you prop[o ]se, 5 P Ct will pay all the losses in Vessels trading from this to the States since June last. there has been a constant trade here since that time and continues to increase. Vessels are daily arriving and returning, It will not suit me by any means to continue here. I shall sail this Week in an Armed Br'g for Ph[iladelphi]a and as soon as I arrive I shall proceed to Virginia and settle at a convenient secure port near the capes, where I propose trading as largely in Tobacco as the times will permit more l shall particularly attend to your Interest, and hope to have it in my power to make a pleasing remittance in Tobacco.

I must refer you to Doctor Franklin for News.

I am Dr Sir with much Esteem [&c.]

To Silas Deane Esqr to the care of Messrs S & J H. Delap Merchants Bordeaux

[Endorsed] Bordeaux 28/29 March 1777 Received & forwarded by Sr Your 29 Hble Servts S & J H Delap