Sir:—
On receiving your Excellency's Commission appointing me Commissioner for fitting out armed vessels at the Fort of Edenton, I drew on William Skinner Esq. Treasurer for the Northern District, for the sum of One thousand Pounds, which Mr. Robert Smith told me, I was by a resolve of the Assembly empowered to do, as I had not at that time seen the resolve, and Mr. Smith told me had, I took it for granted that I was acting right. Mr. Skinner advanced the money on my order, since which it appears that I should have had a warrant from your Excellency on the Treasurer for what money I should want for that purpose, as there was at that time several demands against the King Taminy and more daily accruing, and I not being furnished with the resolve of the Assembly to know in what manner to act, will I hope excuse me for not applying to your Excellency for a warrant sooner, which you will be so good as to give to Mr. Skinner who has my receipt for the money. I have chartered the Brig King Taminy to Messrs. Hewes and Smith on account of the Congress, a copy of the Charter party, and on account of the disbursements, I shall furnish your Excellency with by Mr. Hewes when he goes for Newbern.