Gentlemen

This will be handed to you by Cap^t. Robert Niles (Command^r. of the Schooner Spy own’d by this State) and has in Charge Dispatches from the Hon^ble. Continent^l Congress, which I was desir’d to forward Imediately to you,¹ hope he may have a Good Passage and Arive Safe—² The Article of Lead is much wanted in this State and would desire that you would putt as much on Board, the Spy as Cap^t. Niles shall Judge Suffecient to take on Board, to putt her in Trim for Sailing³ and Supply him with Cash Suffecient for his Disbursments during his Stay in France— and One hundred and Twenty Four pounds Lawfull Money, which I have Agreed to advance for Cap^t Niles and his Mate, also as much more as will pay Each of his Seamen One Months pay, the Amount must Refer you to Capt. Niles. I am, with great Esteem and Consideration Gentlemen [&c.]