Gentlemen

Having presumed to draw a Bill on you in favour of M^r William Dennie a Merchant of this Town for one hundred pounds Sterling, it becomes necessary to appologize for this Step by Explaining the reasons of our Conduct, which otherways must Appear very extraordinary, as we have neither the Express orders of Congress for it or have the Honour of being Connected with you in any other way than as public Officers of the Continent—

Congress having directed us to furnish the Hon^ble: John Adams Esq^r. (who they have Appointed one of the Commissioners at the Court of France) with Every Accommodation necessary for his Voyage among which is the Article of hard money which we have not been able to obtain any other way Seasonablyfor his passage in the Boston now nearly ready to Sail, without discovering his Intentions which require Secrecy, therefore by his Consent and Advice have taken the Liberty to draw on you on this Occasion We flatter ourselves the Bill will be duly honoured—We have the honour to be [&c.]