Philadelphia January 8th 1776 Sir The Congress have ordered the Secret Committee to purchase [inserted: & Bring in] for the use of the navy & army sundry articles which were under consideration before you left the Congress. At my request, the Committee have Directed me to inform you, that they are willing [struck: that] [text loss] vessel should be sent from our Colony for that [text loss], if a proper Loading for the European Market [text loss] as fish, potash Bees wax &c can be purchased [text loss]able. If you think it will answer & agree to send, you may Charter a vessel & procure a Loading, and forthwith inform this Committee that they [inserted: may] Direct what goods & the quantity you are to send for; and remit you the money to [struck: p[illegible [inserted: pay for] the Cargo: This will be of the same nature of you former Contract. Your Friend Wharton tells me he has some money in the hands of Mr. Tracy of Newbury Fort, for which he is willing to Draw & receive the money here, which will save some Expense of Conveyance; I think Seven or Eight hundred pound L:m: You will see the necessity of this Committee; being informed of your Determination on this affair as speedily as possible. last Saturday Major Patton's Brig arrived with about fifty tons of Salt [peter] and a few Days before another vessel brought 3 tons & an half of powder. Our fleet fell Down the river the latter and of the week. Please to inform me of the present situation of our Colony affairs and Don't forget to put our Convention in Mind to send somebody here to relieve me as soon as convenient. I am your friend & Servant Josiah Bartlett John Langdon Esqr Turn over [2] January 9th I have now a proper agreement Drawn which I now enclose, if u like it, you will sign it and forward it back as soon as possible, you will give order concerning the money to be remitted to you [ut Sopra] J:B: N:B: 23 [text loss] Powder e[illegible] [text loss] New York [address leaf] To John Langdon Esqr Portsmouth Frank} J: Bartlett} N: Hamphe} New Hampshire