M^r. John Daniel Schweighawser, Nantes
Sir,

I was duely honored with your esteemed favor of the 11^th Cur^t. & note the Contents.

as the superintendance of the Commer^al. concerns of the Secret Committee of Congress has desolved on me solely by the death of the late M^r. Tho^s. Morris, I am happy in pursuing their recommendation by appointing you to take up & dispose of any Vessels or Cargoes that may arrive in the Port of Nantes or any other port in Britanny, on Acc^t. of said Committee, requesting you always to govern yourself in this Agency conformable to such instructions or advice as you may receive with such Vessels or Cargoes whither they are addressed to me soley or to M^r. Morris & myself as joint Commer^al. Agents; & that you may be fully informed on that head you are hereby authorized to open any Letters that come to your hands directed to me only as Commer^al. Agent or to M^r. Morris & myself as joint Agents for America.

In order to prevent as much as possible any interference with you, or any interruption in this business. I inclose you a certificate, & a Letter from the Chairman of the Com^tee. dated Feb^y. 3^d. 1777 to show my authority if any one should entertain a doubt ab^t. it.¹

You will please to give the Com^tee. regular advice of your proceedings & also to give the American Com^rs. at Paris advice whenever any property arrives in which the Com^tee. is interested.

Should any Cargoes arrive in the above mentiond ports addressed to me, being private property, you will be pleased to dispose of the same in the best manner you can for the interest of the concernd & follow their directions in making returns for the same.

Be so good as to forward any Letters that may come to your hands directed for me to M^r. Grand Banquer in Paris.

I have no doubt your conduct in this Agency giving entire satisfaction to all parties concernd & wishing you success therein. I have the Honour to be [&c].