The enclosed is an extract from a letter which Mr. King wrote to me on the 7th. Day of decr. last,1 but which I did not recieve untill last month, in answer to one from me, requesting him to procure and ship three thousand musquets and bayonets for the Use of this State and promising to make him the necessary remittances.2

You will perceive from his answer, that, not being able to obtain those arms in England, he had directed them to be made at Hamburgh, but does not mention the price. From this omission, it is not possible for me to ascertain the exact sum to be remitted. As it will be prudent to have these arms shipped in three parcels by different vessels, I have concluded to remit ten thousand Dollars which I presume will be more than sufficient to pay for 1000 Stand. By the time they arrive we shall doubtless be informed of the price charges &c. and the subsequent remittances may be regulated accordingly.

Presuming that it will not be inconvenient for you to take the proper measures for importing these arms, and settling all accounts respecting them, I have desired the Comptroller to issue his warrant to the Treasurer to pay you ten thousand dollars. This I expect will be done at the Bank of New York. You will be allowed such Commissions as are customary in such cases— On the arrival of the arms you will deliver them to the Commissary General of military Stores— Let every Parcel of arms be ensured. You will remit the Money either to Mr. King, or to Hamburgh as you find it most advantageous to the State— I shall inform Mr. King that the Transaction of the business here is entirely committed to you3—and I wish you would mention the same thing to him by the first Vessel that may sail for Great Britain.4 With real Esteem and Regard I am Dr. Sir your most obedt. Servt.