§ From James Leander Cathcart. 10 August 1806, Boston. “I had the honor to write to you yesterday informing you that I had pitch’d upon the Ship two Brothers of Salem to carry Mella Menni out in: she is a fast sailer has a bulwark pierced with twelve ports exactly like the Franklin which might be lined in little time & at small expense & would then make a very good appearance. It occurs to me that Mella Menni would agree to have her substituted in lieu of the Franklin, provided this suggestion meets your approbation I will speak to him on the subject, & if agreed to the Franklins guns &ce. with the addition of two more will exactly suit her.

“Her owners ask 1000 £ Sterling for the run out to Tunis. I have offer’d 2000 dollars and I believe she might be purchased for something between six & eight thousand dollars.

“On Monday I will endeavor to close this business & stipulate a clause for the purchase & you shall immediately be inform’d of the result.”