Boston 7th March 1777
Sir
Mr [Joseph] Greenleaf and Mr [Nathaniel] Appleton being chosen Agents by a number of the men Lately belonging to the Alfred, and being possess'd of Certificates, they have Advancd sums of money to the Severall persons, a list of whose names I now inclose, and those Gentlemen are at the Expence of sending this Express only for the purpose of informing you, least you should advance them money; they beg you will retain their prize money in your hands and they will pay you a Commision for so doing
I shall Advertise the Millish and Active to be sold next wednesday Sevnnight if any ergent business calls you from Home at that time please to Advise me that I may Advertize Accordingly As I have not yet compleated the Orders from Congress in the purchase of vessells, you will Buy the Ship Millesh for the Account of the Continent also the Brig Active if she should not go very high The Articles I purchas'd at vendue I am in want of especially pitch lines twine &c hope an Opportunity will soon offer of sending them up by water. I am [&c.]
John Bradford agent
1. John Bradford Letter Book, vol. 1, LC.