My Dear Sir

Your favor of 23d ulto by Capt [Samuel] Tucker is just come to hand: 42,000 dollars are on the way to you and I hope will be in your possession long before this reaches you — the letters you refer to I have not seen — viz those to the Secret and Marine Committees — I shall pay due attention to them when I know their contents — the letter you refer me to concerning the guns from Connecticut is not come to hand — I am therefore in the dark about that matter — this I know that Governor Trumbull was desired to spare the guns he had provided for the ship built in Connecticut to the Raleigh, provided others could be procured in season for the Trumbull and as I have heard that Capt Manly has been in Connecticut after guns and have since heard he has guns for his ship, I suspect there has been some underhand dealing in this business, and think the villainy should be brought to light, therefore hope you'll spare no pains to get to the bottom of it, — in order thereto it will be necessary to know of Govr Trumbull at whose request they were spared to Manly. 

Congress are about returning to Philadelphia — I believe they will adjourn thither next week till then I do not expect to have it in my power to send you the dimensions of the 74 gun ship — nor do I suppose it indispensably necessary at present, as the timber may be getting and other materials preparing while the workmen are employed on the other ship.

I am exceeding fearful of the vessels you are sending to this place arid Virginia, as there are several ships now in Chesapeake Bay who have taken many vessels, but I have no order to direct them to be stopped but shall take the earliest opportunity to consult the Committees and write you fully on the subject — in the mean time hope no time will be lost in getting them ready for sea. In great haste I am your friend [&c.]