Sir,

Your favor of the 28^th. Inst.² I have before me, 'tis true I advised Capt Wilson³ to appoint an agent for his ship at NewBern apprehending by that means he might be furnished with greater certainty and much more ease and convenience to himself and the Ships Crew. As to the money which may be expended for such necessaries as the Ship may want, it is to be paid in the usual way by the Governor's Warrant on the Treasury and charged to this State only. The assembly did not appoint an agent, I have received no Commissions or letters of Mart⁴ from the Gentleman who presides at Congress,⁵ I believe there are at NewBern one or two signed by M^r Hancock,⁶ if these will answer your purpose when I come to NewBern you can be supplied, this I expect will be about the 10^th. of July, and at that time if you have not disposed of all you propose selling in the privateer,⁷ I will inform you what part will be agreeable to me to take, in the mean time, do not miss disposing of what shares you think proper. 

I hope every son of Freedom who is also an American or an Inhabitant of any of the United States, will cheerfully celebrate the anniversary of our Independence⁸ but I must be excused giving any order for public powder on the occasion and also from lending it on any other occasion. the reasons are obvious to every one—and on reflection, I know this must strike you forcibly. I am dear Sir [&c.]