I have been informed that you have in your profession twenty pieces of Cannon 18 pounders belonging to the Continent--We are now in the greatest want of heavy Artillery and if you have no immediate use for those pieces or no orders for their particular disposal you will oblige me by delivering them to Colo. Crane of the Artillery who will undertake to forward them to this place. We are likewise very deficient of the quantity of powder necessary for this operation which we have in view--If you have any of that Article on hand which can be spared or if any has arrived in the Alliance or should shortly arrive, you will be pleased also to deliver as much as you can, without interfering with the service of the Marine; to Colonel Crane. I have the honor to be Gentlemen Yr most obt Servt