Gentlemen

When M^r. Archibald Blair of your place was here in February on his way to Charlestown South Carolina, we purchased from him 1/16^th. in the Privateer Ship Minerva¹ being a Quarter (as he inform'd us) of what he held in s^d. Ship, of which he told us you were Ships Husbands. We expected from what he then said on the subject, that she was nearly ready & woud sail in a month or soon after: but were much surprized to learn from our Neighbour M^r. Dugan lately returnd here, that she was not sailed when he left Boston about the end of March.— Permit us to request you will be so kind as to inform us whether said Privateer is yet gone to Sea, the Cruize on which you have ordered her, the force of Men, Guns &c, which she carries; & the Directions given concerning the Payment or Remittances of such Prize-money as may be paid in the W^t. Indies, or any foreign Ports.—

We shoud likewise desire to know whither it is to you as Agents or to M^r. Blair as an original owner that we are to look for the future state of accounts. The manner of conducting such Business has been various, and we presume is so with you,— If as we expected from what M^r. Blair told us, you are to hold the acct^s. with us in future for our Share, we will send the Bill of Sale to our friend M^r. Black to prove our Interest, if that is necessary— In the mean time must request you when the vessels acc^ts. of Outfit & Cost are compleated to furnish us with a Copy thereof, which becomes necessary as by agreem^t we were to pay M^r. Blair a certain Advance ⅌ Cent on the same.— We are, Gent^m. [&c.]

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