D^r. Sir 

I wrote you by Peltier & somewhat in haste since w^ch. y^rs. of the 4th is arrived I am sorry that any thing shoud be put into the Lyon as ballast that will not be useful in America. Pray purchase salt or Flints or Lead or some thing for the purpose that is wanted in America; as to the Funds we must contrive to supply them. I pray that she may be equipped as soon as possible & also the Dolphin w^h. may Carry some of the Articles & sail under the Convoy of the Lyon. The Mercury & Marquis de Chayllote can take all and more than what you will have left & I presume you will not find difficulty in agreeing for the freight ⅌ Tonn. M^r. Montieu proposed 120 Liv^s. ⅌ Tonn out. I think he will abate a little but I had rather give that Sum than not have the goods sent in them. Those two Ships, the Lyon & one or two more of equal Force ready to go at the same time may resist any single ship here or on the Coast of America. The Cloths are of the first & capital importance & therefore must at all Events be dispatched. with respect to the Cloths furnished by Montieu, if they will not Compare with the Patterns given they cannot be taken on the Terms agreed for and as to those which you find absolutely too Small, they cannot be sent on any terms on our Acc^t. Indeed I apprehend you will meet with difficulty—I know not how it can be adjusted better considering the necessity there is for all the Supplies possible than for Montieu to ship them on his own Acc^t. I have not spoke particularly with him as he is sick & as from y^rs. it does not appear that you had finished the examination of them. M^r. Ross will go for Nantes next week & by him shall forward the particular instructions for Capt. Nicholson &c. My Brother is returned & will take the Brig w^h: I desire may be loaded with Salt as no other article of any Consequence will be sent in her I have not seen Ross since the rec^t. of y^rs. I am sorry that Williams¹ as well as we should be disappointed by this misunderstanding but hope you will be able to procure another person equally able to Conduct the Brig, & that she may go with Capt. Nicholson & the others & I shall send down the orders for the Capt. leaving a Blank for his Name which you will fill up properly. As to the making any more Cloths in france nothing can as yet be determined. My private Opinion however is that it is better to send out the Cloth in Bales I have no patience with Mercier & wish heartily we were rid of a fellow who appears to be a perfect trifler & therefore desire he may be held close to his ag^t. [agreement] or be wholly off. I am &c. 

P.S. respecting the Dolphin I wish she may be the last that you do any thing with as to the Loading as I have since my last by Peltier had some thoughts of sending her another way You may have her ready to take in & you know she may be loaded in a few Hours. early next week I will write you my final determination.