Sir:

I am in hopes there may be a chance soon of getting some money, towards paying off the ship Caswell, she laying at a place where they can't well run away, otherwise I expect she would have but few hands left as they have received no pay. I have received letters from Capt. Wilson informing me that he was much distressed for want of money. I am at a loss to know what sum may be necessary, or what may likely be obtained soon from the Treasury. Your Excellency will please to grant me a warrant for what sum you may think convenient. I expect it will require a large sum as their wages run high, and a number of men. I understand the ship is much eaten with worms. I should think it necessary she should go up to New Bern to clean. Mr. Tomlinson will hand this to your Excellency, by whom you will be pleased to send me the warrant. I have in my care near 300 bushels salt, brought by the Pennsylvania Farmer, stored with Col. Thompson. If the public should not likely want it should think it best to be sold, as the storage will eat it out.