His Excellency Patrick Henry Esq^r
Governor of Virginia
Sir

There has lately arrived in New Hampshire a french ship¹ with a large quantity of Brass Cannon and Military Stores for the United States. The Gentleman who has the direction of the said Vessel has informed Congress that he expects a frigate of 54 Guns with a large Cargo of Cloth part of which is the property of a Company of Merchants in france and the other part we imagine is upon Continental Account, will arrive About this time in Virginia. As it is of great importance to America to encourage a Commerce of this Sort, and to prevent the said frigate from being taken by the British men of war. The Marine Committee have thought it adviseable to give your Excellency this information, referring to your Judgment the propriety of employing one or more fast sailing boats the fidelity of whose hands you can best depend on, to keep a Look out in such manner as you may think best calculated to give the earliest intelligence to the French Frigate of the situation of the British Men of war. We have no doubt of your taking every precaution to prevent this matter from being made public and also of giving such directions as may answer the above design. We have the honor to be [&c.]