[dateline]
Sepr. 12th. 1778
I have the Mortification of being obliged to tell the amiable Portia
{p. 90}
that the Council of Pensylvania will not grant a partial Exportation of Flour from their State while the general Embargo lasts: So that I cannot
soon have the Pleasure of executing the Commission which that lovely Woman has entrusted to me.
1 The State of Massachusetts
[Bay?]
2 will have the Direction of a Quantity out of which the distressed Inhabitants may get a Pittance. I shall join Portia in my Attentions to my dear Mrs. Lovell upon the first free Exportation from hence.
[salute] With affectionate Esteem,
[signed] J L