Sirー

I received your Favr of the 12th Inst and have not been able to answer it 'till now, as I cou'd not get the Sentiments of the Ships Committee about lending you The Guns as you propos'd 'till the last post and not haveing oppertunity to Consult Esqr Hopkins (The Manager Of the Furnace) 'till this Morning, Could not Determine the Time we Cou'd Compleat a sett for you 'till now, which through the Loss of Time in the Misfortune Of the Furnace Hearth giveing way, Shall not be able to Deliver you a sett here under 55 Days from this. at Five Pounds Lawful Money per hundred at which & much higher we Cou'd now sell Guns ー You will please to give us your Definitive answer p Return Of Post, & if you have them, for Somebody to appear & Finish the Contract as mention'd before. as to our Committee Delivering or lending Those for our Ships, refer you to Collo [William] Whipple, Who heard What was said, if you get them, you or the Collo must appear in person, or write Govr Cook[e] as Chairman Of the Committee, ー I am Sir [&c.]

Am much Obgd for yr Particular
Attention Abot the Masts & spars
They are not yet Arrived