I wrote Collo. Porter, by Express, desiring him to Spare me two of his moulders to assist my hands, in Casting doubleheaded Shott, & the Trux you desired me to cast for the Convention of the State of New York;1 he wrote me immediately that he Could not possibly fulfill the orders he had from his Honor The Governour if he Spared one of his hands; upon which I went out to Speak with him my Self & endeavour to prevail on him for one of his Moulders but without Success, indeed he told me he had Sent an Express to his honr. requesting that his Furnace might be Excused from Casting shott, but had no answer back, in that case he told me I might have his two Moulders, now Sir this being so very uncertain I cant think it Safe for either of us to depend on, and as we cannot cast the trux without this help, must advise you to apply else where for my hands cannot do it.

I have orderd Moulds to be made to cast Shott, at which we will do all we can to Supply Genl: Schuyler, but this fear will not be able to do in time for want of Moulders so that its not yet in my power to Supply you even with that article, however desirous & anxious I am to oblige my Country which hope will plead my Excuse, am with respect Dr Sir, Your Most Humble Servt: