Gentlemen:

I perceive that some contracts for the delivery of provisions have been made with you which ought to have been perfected before that which was prepared for market was disposed of, but something has prevented it. I have directed Captain Martin, the Assistant to the Commissary General, to whom this part of the business is committed, to repair immediately to Edenton and concert with you such deliveries as are now in our power and to make them as convenient and advantageous to you as circumstances will admit. I have also desired him to agree to and execute any commutations which our resources will admit of, in order that our want of punctuality may have as little effect to the prejudice of trade as possible.

You know the circumstances of the Country. You love your Country, you are men of knowledge and I can with confidence trust to your candor and honor. Be so good as to let some of your body write to me on this business and rely on my best endeavours to protect and encourage Commerce.