[dateline] Nantes June 27. 1778
[salute] Honorable Gentlemen
In my last letter I had the pleasure of Acquainting you, that it was in my power to
take some Goods on board in account of the United States, agreable to Capt. Wm: Jones
information, who ac•
{ 242 } quainted me that you had some Goods on hand, which you desired to forward for America.
My Ship is already graved, and now taking in ballast if am to take any Goods, would
be extreamly glad to know, that I may stow the Ship accordingly; My Masts are all
made to serve excepting Main and foretop Masts. The Cost of new Masts being so great,
I have made the lower Masts serve by repairing them, and I believe they will hold
till we Arrive in America. The Main Mast will be Ready to get in in three Days. The
Ship will Certainly be ready without unforeseen Accident shou'd prevent, by the twentieth
of July and if agreable to your Honours, should be happy of my Orders by the fifteenth,
1 for I am flattered with the hopes of being Ready by that time, with four Months Provision
on board, for which I have given indent unto Mr. Schweighauser Agent.
It gives me pleasure to Acquaint your Honours, that both Officers and Men omit no
exertions in their power to get in Actual readiness for Sea, having unfortunately
been blockaded so long already, and this alone, without any other motive would induce
a desire not to be detained after my Ship is ready for Sailing. If your Honours have
any Remarkable News not of a private Nature which has lately Arrived from America
should think myself favoured with the Account. Again presuming to Repeat my most earnest
Sollicitations for express Orders, to be transmitted as soon as possibly may be I
have the honour to Remain, with all imaginable Respect, Gentlemen Your very Obedt.
very Hble. Servt.