Portsmouth Decem, 24th 1776
Sir
Capt. John Hart waits on you for what Guns is wanted for the Ship Portsmouth,2 let them be of such Size as you can procure —either 4, 6 or 9 pound[er]s or part of each, he will acquaint you of what is now here. — She was launched on Saturday last & is now equiping with all expedition —
Colo Langdon being absent on Public Business prevents his writing you, but desir'd I would (previous to his leaving Town) acquaint you of his being disappointed in Monies he expected to receive, therefore requests you would be pleas'd to send him P Return of the Bearer 1500 or £2,000 L My — as he is in much need thereof, which request hope you'! grant that he may not be further disappointed. In the interim I am Sir [&c.]
Wm Gardner
1. John Langdon Letter Book, Captain J. G. M. Stone Private Collection, Annapolis.
2. New Hampshire privateer.
