Chingateague July 26th 1776
Gent,
I did myself the Honor of writing you on the 17th Inst by Mr Crockett. Some days after that time I Purchasd about one hundred hhds of Fl[our] 60 of wch I have actually Reced and since making the Purchase the whole of the Flour has arrived. I have examined a good deal of it and find it in such a State as will not admit of its being Stored any length of time in expectation of a Sale, I shall therefore endeav[or] to Sell or Ship it Without delay.
If I cannot do better, I must have the Schooner John examined and Valued, and send her off with it for it will soon perish here, and there is a good chance of Selling it very high, if it can be expeditiously pushed to Markett. The Brig will sail in 12 days, by wch time Capt Martin has engaged to return, if he does not I must send her without him, as it is not in my power to attend here longer. The 2 Chests of Arms & 9 Bales of sail Cloth the Capt has deliver'd since the Committee of Worcester wrote you of the difficiency the Powder yet remains 12 whole Barris short, 4½ barrls of wch he says was put on board for Vessells use. Capt Martin appears very anxious to be Commission'd, of this I can say nothirig as he is a Stranger to me except that the Men enter & Act more cheerfully where they have a Chance of Shareing a Prize, but how proper it may. be to grant Commissions to Vessells carrying Cargoes must be Submitted to you. I have the Honor to be [&c.]
p favor of Capt Martin