[Extract]

Sir ー  I am favoured with your Excellency's letter of the 31st instant, by Capt. [George] Baylor, who has purchased the warlike stores imported by Messrs. Clarke & Nightingale. The prices appear to be very high; but, considering the cost, expenses and risk, I believe they are as low as can be reasonably expected . . . The Committee appointed to act during the recess of the General Assembly have given your proposal, for taking the powder from Bermuda, a full consideration, and have come to a resolution to make the attempt. Captain Abraham Whipple, the Commodore of the two armed vessels in the service of this Colony, who hath been very ill, but is now upon the recovery, hath been consulted and will undertake the enterprise as soon as his health will permit. He is deemed the most suitable person to conduct it that we have. He requests your Excellency to give him a line under your hand assuring the people of Bermuda that, in case of their assistance, you will recommend it to the Continental Congress, to permit them to fetch provisions for the use of the Island. He does not propose to make any use of it, unless he shall find it utterly impracticable to obtain the powder without their assistance. I am &c.