[Extract]
Gentlemen

I have the honor to fit out, for the service of Congress; by the way of Hispaniola, the ship Amelia, loaded with field and ordnance pieces, powder and leaden pigs. As the season is too far advanced, that the ship might go straightway to your ports, I have charged M. Carabasse, my correspondent at Cape Francois, to reverse the whole cargo on Bermudian or even on American ships, if he finds any at her arrival in that port, and to transmit to you as soon as possible.

This is the fourth ship I have addressed to you since December last; the other three have steered their course towards your eastern ports.

The first is the Amphitrite of 480 tons, Captain Fautrel, loaded with cannons, muskets, tents, entrenching tools, tin, powder, clothing, &c. Left Havre de Grace on the 14th of December, 1776.²

The second is the Seine, from the same port, Captain Morin, of 350 tons, loaded with muskets, tents, mortars, powder, tin, cannons, musket balls, &c.

The third is the Mercury, of 317 tons, Captain Heraud, from Nantz, loaded with one hundred thousands of powder, 12,000 muskets; the remainder in cloth, linen, caps, shoes, stockings, blankets, and other necessary articles for the clothing of the troops.

In my letters of August, September, and December last the duplicates of which have been delivered to you by the chief officer of those who went over to your service in the Amphitrite, I have requested you to order that my ships might not expect long for remittances; I ask for in the same letters, my design being to send you uninterrupted supplies, and such as may be of the greatest use to you. I hope on your side, you will be quick as possible, load again, and send me back my vessels.