Fishkill [N.Y.] April 21st 1778.
Dear Sir
the twelve Tons of refined Iron I contracted with the Hon’ble Navy Board to deliver at Norwich,1 has bin laying by this Month owing to the scarceness of Forage, that the Team’s cannot Traviel. I have now a Prospect of Sending the Iron on very soon. this may inform you that the Team’s will want Money to pay them of[f] on their arrival, agreeable to the Hon’ble Board’s Order. should have sent it sooner, but have meet with the utmost difficulty to procure Team’s. I am, with respect [&c.]
WM. SMITH Contractor to Con’t Navy.
Connecticut Historical Society Collections 20: 88.
1. This iron was for the Continental Navy frigate Confederacy, building at Norwich, Conn.
