[Extract]

Sir I have Agreable to the order of the Board Bought the Brigt Nancy, & am now fixing her with all Expedition for the Sea. she is now on the ways graveing. tho I have met with great difficulty in geting either pitch or Tar for that purpose as you have sent me none. I was however lucky enough to borrow for that purpose on promise to replace it by the first Oppy The Sloop is almost ready to take in. the weather has prevented her being quite so. I have got Masters, Mates, & a great part of the Crews for these Vessels. I have also Chartered two Schooners for Virginia, Baltimore South cir No Carolina & got Crews for them nearly & one Schooner for Virginia, No or South Carolina & beleive shall have no difficulty in maning her the Owner would not Consent she should go to Baltimore & as she is a fine Schooner I would not break of[f] the Bargain for that Circumstance supposeing one of the other places would suit you.

You are now to Consid.er what Cargo you will have put on Board the Brigt & Schooners. you have here only the five hhµs of rum bought of me, & I see no probability that I shall be Able to purchase either rum or Sugar for that purpose. there are a few hhds sugar here but the owners are Absent so cant say whether I can purchase them or not, but doubt it.. one Mr Green, I beleive his Name is Nathaniel, has a quantity of rum here. if you detetmine to have some of it, you will please to treat with him &send me your order, or send here a warrant under your Bi:oad Seal to take it.. the Article of sugar you will either send up or take such Other order; as you think proper. if you think Train Oil will Answer for part of these Cargoes I can supply some at 4/. p galloh, & perhaps some ofit wont be Amiss . . . . two of'the Schooners have only thr,ee sails, the Owners haye Agreed to furnish flying Jibbs if you will supply the Cloath it is not to be had here. you will determine whether it is worth while lo take th.e Trouble. you will please to furnish the Articles below for sails &c for the Brigt without fail p first Oppy . . . Am I to Engage the Masters & Men shall Continue on pay if taken till their return — what part of the prizes if the sloop, should make any, are the Men to have. I have ventured to tell them one third . . . .

[Enclosure]

please to direct what Cargoes shall go on Board each Vessel. either of the Masters of the Schooners are Capable of disposeing of the Cargoes if necessary at least two of them are, & one of them is well acquainted with a port without the Capes of Virginia called McTomkin, where he thinks he could with dispatch get a Load of wheat. they are all well Acquainted with No Carolina — the Out port I mention may be much safer to go to than any within the Capes . . .