No 21.

Sir Should Captain [William] Stone replevy the Brigg, ² you will be pleased to let us know immediately that we may give the necessary Security, and proper orders to the Sheriff; Captn Stone petitioned the Convention, and by his own desire the Affair was postponed. — Should he now issue a Writ of Replevin, it can be only to obstruct the voyage, which [we] are determined, if possible, the vessel be at Liberty to make; the Interest of the State requires it, and we on behalf of the public are able and willingto give Securitv to answer all damage. — We are glad to hear that Captn King and Captn [John] Gibbons are ready, or near ready to sail,³ — pray Dispatch the Brigg as fast as possible — Get ship-Stuff to work the Bread, if necessary, we rely on you, and shall pay all reasonable Demands. — get Beef for the present as much as can be salted with 500 bushels of salt; — the residue of the salt please send to us by first Opportunity; — Pork will be plenty, we expect soon, and we doubt salt very Scarce. —

We are sorry to hear the Tradesmen Complain, particularly Mr [Cumberland] Dugan, sure never was a Time, when an industrious Tradesman could get more, than at your Town at present, you may spirit them up with good Words, and we will find them Money. — Neither French, nor English can have any further indulgence in puting Flour or Tobo on board the brigg, and so be pleased to Let them know.

P.S. Since writing the above we recd yrs of the 21st informing us that Captn King had sailed, & Kelty almost ready — we have ordered canvass for the Jibb Sail — be pleased to wait on Mr Christie the Sheriff of Balto and Let him know that we shall take care on behalf of the State to give him security to indemnify him & to pay Captain Stone all Damages, — and that we shall be glad to see the Sheriff, when he comes to Annapolis.

[Annapolis] Novr 21st 1776.