Sir:
We received yours of the 24th of Novr., the reason of your not hearing from us before is explained in Mr. Smith's letter. Captain Barrets proceeding to South Quay with his vessel left us no Invoice of the Cannon left here. We have examined the Cannon, but from the Swedish marks, we cannot determine the quantity of Tobacco the State will have to pay, but as near as we can guess we have to pay from one hundred and sixty thousand weight of Tobacco.
As to that part of your Excellency's letter relative to purchasing Tobacco, we can only answer that we can purchase none here, but as the meeting of the General Assembly is near at hand we doubt not but they will be able to remove every difficulty, and prevent the Demurrage, if any, from being considerable against this State.
The Cannon shall be delivered as your Excellency ordered, and your Commands in every other respect concerning them shall be faithfully obeyed. We are with respect Sir,