Secret Committee to Robert Purviance , Samuel Purviance, Jr.

We are informed that you have in your hands Nineteen hundred and eight pounds, eight shillings & six pence this currency by a Captain Bailey as the property of Monsr. Le Croix of the Island of Hispaniola - And as it appears that the said Bailey & Monsr. Le Croix have combined together to defraud the United States of a Cargo of Flour which said Bailey was directed to deliver at another place, in consequence of which, a Brig loaded here and now in this harbor, claimed by said Le Croix hath been detained by the Secret Committee under order of Congress.¹ The Committee willing to interrupt foreign Commerce as little as possible but at the same time obliged to secure the public from injury have directed said Vessel & Cargo to be released, taking care to secure for the Continent the above sum of 1908 pounds, 8/6 this Currency in your hands.

You are therefore desired to retain in your hands, and apply to the use of the Secret Committee that money so left with you by Capt. Bailey, and for so doing we warrant you in the name of the Congress of the United States of America.

Richard Henry Lee

Wm Whipple

Fras Lewis