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Tho' all that Mr [John] Griffiths did was at my request & with a design to serve me yet on examination I find erecting a Mill to bore the Cannon, the makg of Patterns &c and the Moulders have asked me fourteen pounds p Ton for makg them, that it will be impossible for me to make them unless I have the same price given by the Honbl the Continental Congress to the Iron Masters of Pensylvania, I desire no more, and whatever that be. If I have your order, will make as many 9, 12, 18, & 24 Pounders, as the Shipping will want,² Mr Griffiths will forward me your orders, and it shall be attended to immediately, my Furnace is now ready, and I think I can accomplish the business, all I desire is to have the same Price given to others, and I trust it will not be expected that the New York Furnaces should work at lower prices than any other Furnace on the Continent I am &c

Orange Furnace [New York] May 12th 1776 ー