Committee of Secret Correspondence to John Langdon

We some time ago desired you to purchase two or three ships and send them to Virginia, or South Carolina, since which we have not had the pleasure of hearing from you, but hope that business is in good forwardness. We have now to desire you to purchase another ship and send her to France if a cargo can be procured at your place suitable for that market. No doubt masts will answer very well and perhaps some other articles of greater value may be procured--however of this you are a much better judge than we can be. Our wish is that the cargo may be valuable and that the ship may be dispatched as soon as possible.

Many articles that are much wanted in the army, we may imagine may be obtained at the Islands, St Peters, Newfoundland. We therefore desire you would charter two small vessels (which should be very fast sailers) if cargos can be procured proper for that market and order from thence canvas for tents, or any sort of woolen or linen goods suitable for soldier's clothing. Your drafts on this Committee will be duly paid, for whatever sums you may want for the execution of this business at the Islands of St Peters and Meguelon.

We are with great respect, your must humble servts,

Richard Henry Lee, F. Lewis, Wm. Whipple