Sir

The selectmen of Salem this day delivered to John [Jeremiah] Obrien two hundred pounds of powder for the use of the privateers Diligent & Machias Liberty in the service of this colony, as will appear by the inclosed receipt. The said Obrien shewed us a letter from Francis Abbot written for you as Commissary General, to Richd Derby jr Esqr requesting him to furnish Obrien with that quantity of powder; but as the town had purchased the whole his vessel brought home, Obrien applied to us; and as the necessity appeared to be urgent we supplied him upon certain expectation of receiving the same quantity of you when requested, to be delivered at Salem without any expence to the town, or paid for at the price mentioned in the receipt, as the selectmen shd. chuse. Of all which they give you this early notice; & pray that provision may be made for replacing the powder on the shortest notice, if they should judge it necessary for the town's safety. I am, sir, [&c.]

By order of the Selectmen