ust arrive. A war I think may be depended upon, but keep your
intelligence of every kind secret, save to those of the Secret
Committee.

You will send also a copy of this, by which the Committee will see
the request I have made to you, and the reason of their receiving
several duplicates in your hand-writing. I wish you to forward the
enclosed to Mr Tucker, of Bermuda, and write me by every vessel to
Bordeaux or Nantes.

I am, with great esteem, &c.

SILAS DEANE.

FOOTNOTES:

[6] Mr William Bingham was an American merchant, residing in
Martinique. He was an Agent for Congress during a large portion of the
war, and was the medium of communication with France, by way of the
French West India Islands.

* * * * *

TO WILLIAM BINGHAM.

25th October, 1776.

Dear Sir,

I have received no letter from you since those of the 4th and 5th of
August last, nor any intelligence from Congress since the 5th June,
which not only surprises but distresses me. I now send to the care of
Mons. Deant two hundred tons of a necessary article to be at your
orders for use of the Congress; the freight is to be paid in
Martinique as customary, and I wish you to ship it for the ports of
the Colonies, in such a manner, and in such quantities in a vessel, as
you shall judge most prudent, advising the Congress of your having
received it, and the methods you are taking to ship it to them,
praying them to remit you the amount of the freight, as you must make
friends in Martinique for advancing the same.

I wish you could write me oftener, and inform me very particularly
what letters you receive from me, directed immediately to you, and
what letters for other persons. In this way I shall know which of my
letters fail.

I am, with great respect, &c.

SILAS DEANE.

_P. S._ Forward the enclosed under cover, and with the usual
directions, in case of capture.

* * * * *

TO THE COMMITTEE OF SECRET CORRESPONDENCE.

Paris, 25th October, 1776.

Gentlemen,

I have purchased two hundred tons of powder, and ordered the same to
be shipped to Martinique to the care of Mons. Deant, to the direction
of Mr Bingham for your use. The fi