I beg leave to mention the names of two respectable Citizens of our Town, Messrs. James Brown* and Carter Page, who have establish’d a Powder manufactory, but they find it difficult to provide Salt Petre on account of the whole being already Engaged in this State under contract for the United States.

They wish to obtain a Loan of that Article on terms consistent with public convenience and safety; and I believe in no hands can the public confidence be plac’d with more safety—As to the State or persons engaged in this business, I suppose it is of Little consequence, so we have enough of that Article, made so necessary by our Enemies.

I am with very high respect and Esteem yr most Obt. Servt.