Memoire

The request of the Congress for Eight Shipps of the Line not being granted it is proposed to supply this want of theirs as far, and as early as possible that Three stout Shipps of Fifty to Sixty Guns each be purchased, or hired in Sweden.

That they take on board, and under their convoy, in other Vessels, The brass Cannon, & other Stores, requested by Congress, also Anchors, Cordage, Sail Cloth, and lllaterials, sufficient to equip, the Number of Capital Ships, wanted in America, where they may soon be built.

That to Effect This, one of the Commissioners, make a Journey to Sweden, and in this way, pass thro' Prussia and endeavor to obtain there the Liberty of their Ports, and of raising, & recruiting Seamen &c. &c.

By succeeding in this plan, just hinted at, The United States may be furnished with the Fleet they want, & though not so early in the Season, yet on some Accounts in a better manner, & productive of better Consequences, since. could they obtain The Ships they want, of either France, or Spain it would, it is true weaken their Freinds just so much in Europe, whilst by the other method, the United States will be in a Situation to render their Freinds essential aid either in America, or Europe. —

The Commissioners may pass in a private Capacity, & may with proper Letters of introduction to principal persons in Sweden, undoubtedly succeed and the Advantages must be great every way, ー These Ships may convoy back a Number of Tobacco Vessels to Europe, & open the Commerce of America to a considerable degree —