Gentlemen:

When I was at Ticonderoga last Summer building Callies: I have the Honour to acquaint you that I invented a New model of Swivell Skids for Gun Carriages, which was handed to General Arnold for his Approbation, and was approv'd off, which General Gates and most of his officers can inform you off. And as I am Certain that the Invention will be of great use to the Publick, Shall be glad to hand it to my fellow Citizens, not to have a Patent, but to serve my Country. My request tci your Honourable Board is, that I may have the Liberty of Altering one of the Callies Skids, the expence is So Trifling that Should it not be Approv'g off, I will replace it at my own expence, as I am well Assured the Invention will meet with your Approbation. Should your Honourable Board want a farther explanation I will at any time wait on you. I am, Gentlemen, with the Greatest Respect [&c.]