from having been often at Sea. & having once served in the artellary US I have frequently endeavour to find a method by which to render our present means of defense more formidable,    the objection which naval gentleman have, to carrying dangerous furnaces on board their Ships & gun boats, alone prevent their being more than 3 times as formidable as the would be with these means by which, Elliot burnd every one of the vessells of his enemy before Gibralter, since which nothing it is presumed can be more wanting to Ships than an easy mode for transporting an improved furnace,—In hopes to deter rather than to destroy our enemy I called yesterday to shew my plan to you but I beleiving. it would be more in order during the press of Public affairs, to shew this to Mr Smith, I have presented a Copy, & shall wait on him this day by appointment to explain

I have written this chiefly to explain my object in calling yesterday under a zealous impression common in times like these to every American

with the tender of any services in my Power from motives of esteem & respect for you & our Common Country I am your obedient Sert