Dear sir

This will be handed you by Mr [Samuel] Osgood, since my last I have Compleated the purchase of abt Forty Tons of Hemp Which I am to pay the Cash down for as soon [as] it arrives from Philadelphia, it will amount to Three Thousand Two hundred pounds L M. I shall have to pay the Builders immediately Two Thousand five hundred pounds lawfull Money, and shall be oblidged immediately to pay also for one hundred peices of Duck which will amount to at least five hundred pounds LM  also for a parcell of Iron I was oblig[e]d to purchase in order to proceed upon the Bussiness which will amount to Two hundred pounds, all these sums together will amount to Six Thousand four hundred pounds besides other Things, I shall be oblidged immediately to pay for.
² I hope Mr [John] Avery [Jr.] will bring to [more] than that amount, if he has not I Must request you will immeately forward a sufficiency by some other hand, by Mr Ossgo[od], if you please as he is [a] trusty hand or give me liberty to draw upon you for What I want for I find Nothing is to be done Without the cash downー

I have pay'd Mr Spriggs [fifty] dollars agreable to your Desire ー Eighty or A hundred men are now impatiently waiting for the plans or drafts Hope they will be here in a few days ー as we cannot proceed without themー