Sir

I rec^d the Accounts sent me bearing date 7^th Jan^y 1778.¹—it is easier to imagine, than to describe my surprize at receiving them in so loose a manner—permitt me, to ask you, if you think the State of Connecticut, together with the Officers and People of the Defence are to be put off with a loose C^r. of neat proceeds &^c of the several Vessells taken?—As it is but just, in behalf of the State, I now demand an Account of all the Stores taken taken in the George, Annabella, and Lord How.²—together with an account of the several disposals, of the Stores so taken, or (if so order'd by my constituents) the Stores themselves, as they were convey'd away not only without my consent, but contrary to my express order, as Witness Francis Dana Esq^r and Major Chase—

The Arms, Ammunition and Warlike Stores I do not mean to include in the above, as they were sent to his Excellency Gen^l Washington, only so farr as to have a regular account of the appraisement &c

I observe the accounts are clos'd, the Porterage and many other charges arising in unloading the George & Lord How were paid by me, and I think cannot be included in the Settlement—The Charge of Commission is a matter I shall say nothing about at present.—I shall transmitt your accounts to his Excellency Gov^r Trumbull by the first safe Conveyance I remain [&c.]

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