Boston May 8th 1778
Dear Sir,
The Cannon and other Articles except what are to be deliverd to Yr. Brother1 which belong to the Owners of the Portsmouth2 we beg may be sold immediately, for the most they will fetch—and the net proceeds appropriated to our benefit—if there is more due from the Owners than what is already paid for the Ship's outfit You will in that case apply as much as will set us clear—the residue pay to Your Brother Woodbury Langdon Esqr. for the outfit of the Ship Reward—With Respect & Regard I am [&c.]
Adam Babcock
NB the Negro Boy I purchased for Mr John Carter who Agrees to take him & desires you will send him down by the first Coaster with a Bill of Ye Charges
Archd Mercer
L, Private Collection, Capt. J. G. M. Stone (Annapolis, Md., 1959). Addressed on cover: “John Langdon Esqr./Mercht/Portsmo." Addressed below close: “John Langdon Esqr.” Docketed: “Messrs. Babcock &/Mercers Letter/from Boston/Answd."
1. Woodbury Langdon.
2. New Hampshire privateer ship Portsmouth, Thomas Roach,commander.
