[Extract]

. . . The letters I recd from you in answer to my proposals for speculating in prize goods &c &c are in the country with my other papers and such variety of business has gone through my hands since that I do not perfectly remember their contents, but think you had made some purchases which I very mu.ch approved at the time and wished you to proceed, being certain that goods bought with judgment at moderate prices must answer very well — I continue of the same mind and authorize you to proceed not doubting your utmost care and attention as to quality and prices as well as to the safety of the goods after bought.

I wish also that you would buy a good prize vessel, double decked and pick up a cargo for her suitable for France, dispatch her for Bordeaux consigned to Messrs Saml and J H Delap with orders to make sale of both vessel and .cargo provided that vessel can be sold for a sum equal to her first cost which I am in hopes will be very reasonable, you'll put in a prudent, careful master and send her away soon as possible because I think the risk of the voyage inconsiderable during the winter. I do not particularize the articles to comprise this cargo because I don't know what you can get, but masts, spars, oak plank, beeswax, pearl and potash, fish, oil &c &c are wanted in that country and will answer well if laid in at moderate prices and unless this can be done, I would drop the plan altogether, but if it can be executed reasonably, the sooner the better and the value of vessel and cargo not to exceed three thousand pounds lawful money. you'll tell Messrs Delap to hold the proceeds in their hands subject to any orders and if they cannot sell the vessel to send her back to you with a cargo of salt. . . .