Sir

On the suggestion of William Aylett Esq^r late agent for the State, I did myself the pleasure of writing to you the 16^h December last since which I have not been Favor'd with any of yours This comes ⅌ the Brigantine Liberty, James Gray Commander with Invoice & Bill Loading for 110 Hhds Tobacco to your Address, which be pleased to dispose of yourself, or put it into such hands as are proper for the disposal, the Sales with all other incidental charges against the Vessel I wished to be Favor'd w^th. on her return, but I would by no means be understood to hurry the Sales of the Cargo if time and other circumstances respecting our Credit would make it desirable a retention advisiable—

As this Vessel is neither well Armed or Maned, and is not a fast Sailor, I would prefer your sending her back as soon as possible with a Load of Salt only, unless you find a difficulty in procuring more proper vessels to bring the different Articles that have been wrote for, in that case, you will be pleased to put on Board her, part of the Cannon, part of the several sorts of paper ordered, and the rest of her Loading to be Salt. The Inclosed Schemes with some additions are intended to govern you with respect to the Goods necessary to be Shiped as Opportunities avail,¹

I hope for the Interest of this State you will be good enough not to let Slip any Opportunity by which you can Serve us and particularly in the Shipping the Goods as ⅌ the Schemes giving us advising as of the same. Custom has prevailed, and as such mak^g. it necessary first to advance the Master & Seamen of Vessels a certain Sum of Money at Port therefore I have Inclosed A Copy of the terms on Which Captain Gray and his Crew are Shiped, in conformity to which please to make the Advance&&I am [&c.]

NB Since the closing Mr Armistads Schemes, it has been judged highly expedient we should have sent the return of the Liberty Brig Three Setts of Armorers Armorer's Tools Compleat Six pair of Ships Jack or Ships Screws, & One dozen & a half Ship Compasses of the best Kind which you'll please to procure and send as directed above. 

TS

if Captain Gray should Ship another hand you will be pleased to comply with his engagement——