[Extract]

We find it difficult the fitting out the Cruising Vessels here. the scarcity of sail Duck & proper sized Cannon plague us much in getting ー indeed am apprehensive we shall not be able, to procure light Duck for the small sails and must endeavour to make up the defeciency from old sails rather than none-The two Row Gallies goes on very well and will Soon be built, though am Apprehensive of being .at a loss for heavy Cannon. Our Choice would be One 18 poundr the other 24. ー Collo [George] Mason and myself in particular and the Community at large, thought ourselves highly Obliged by the kind indulgence of your Committee of Safety, in lending us Ten barrels powder, it happened Just

As we had got it down, One Ton came from Phila for us, that we imediately returned it in the same order. I am with regard Sir [&c.] John Dalton.