[Extract]

The Sloop American Congress, & her tender, has been down the River more than fourteen days ー the Sloop Liberty falls down today, I am afraid we shall not be able to get Cannon from below for the Gallies, we were in hopes of being Supplyed from some of those at Hampton. ー but as the Roebuck & Fleet are now Stationed at Gwins Island we must Apply to Mr Hughes whose guns are now said to turn out well, and as your board was so kind to say You would use intercession in procuring them when necessary we must now request your Application to the Committee of Safety in Maryland for Two eighteen pounders to be sent to George Town for the Two Gallies. I believe he does not make above that Size ー We are told it is necessary to make Application to that Board as Mr Hughes had Contracts with them for such a quantity, wch is not yet complyed with I think we can be ready for them in fourteen days, tho we have not got the Sail Cloth as yet from Mr Leux tho' momentarily expected ー we have another favour to ask ー we are distressed for want of blankets. will you be pleased to engage some One in Philadelphia to procure & forward them as soon as possible, this is giving you trouble but am in hopes you will excuse it.

I am just informed of an Agreeable peice of News, and am in hopes it will prove true ー a Capt Markham inwards from Martonique Came up the bay without meeting anything to disturb him, fell in with the Roebuck off Rappahannock who he imgines took him for one of his tenders ー as she hoisted lantherns to her mizen the Schooner paid the Usual Complements with her Sails and [torn] Stole off into Rappahannock ー she is said to have Eighteen [tons of] powder, a qty of Arms & Sulpher ー

The fifes & Pendants for the Vessels are not yet come [to hand] thro' some Mistake ー shall hope for an Answer as soon [as possible] that I may form a rule of Conduct, & believe me to be [&c.]

300 blankets will be wanting if
they can be procured