Sir

We do not think ourselves authorized to give any Orders concerning the Deductions to be made from the Seamen’s Price money¹ or Wages, of what was advanced to them. The Resolutions of Congress must be complied with as to your Stores & furniture, we Suppose there can be no Difficulty, but that M^r Simpson will as he ought to deliver you your private Property upon Request.²

We are not informed particularly what Receipts for your Indemnification you desire, & therefore we are not able to give any Advice concerning them but we hope that all proper Receipts will be given you, Such as you have a Right to expect, readily upon Request.

We Shall recommend the Men who Landed with you at White haven to the favour of Congress, becaus we think they have merited it; but least our Recommendation Should miscarry we wish you to recommend them yourself & inclose in your Letter an Extract of this Paragraph of ours.³ As these People belonging to the Ranger have done themselves So much Honour in their Expedition under your Command, perhaps Congress would approve of the Deductions being made from their Wages to be paid in America that the Men may have their Price Money here.

We have received a Letter concerning Some Price Plate reported by you in the Hands of a Gentleman who waits your Orders to deliver it, which we Suppose as you are upon the Spot,⁴ you will give of Course We are Sir [&c]