Dear Sr., Philada. July 16th. 1776

The Approach of the Enemy has rendered it necessary to find some other place to cast brass Cannon than yr. Air Furnace; this Colony are about Setting up an Air Furnace for that purpose, but the Congress I believe will employ Mr. Byers if it be found practicable & he will make a reasonable bargain. I should be glad to know if he can Cast brass Cannon in an Air Furnace without Sea Coal. That Article is necessary, I understand, for casting Iron Cannon in an Air Furnace & if it be so for casting Brass it will put us to difficulty. I herewith send a Letter to Mr. Byers on this Subject, pray urge him to answer as soon as may be. I think he demands an unreasonable price for his Cannon & I believe the price is not so high in England as you mention, but as they are like to cost so much by the pound, I think they should be made as light as will Answer. Now I observe that Mr. Byers’ 6 pounders weigh one hundred & an half more than the English ones which is an exceeding great Odds. I wish to know whether this is accidental or by design fearing they would not be 250strong enough if made lighter. But I may not trouble you with these matters now your mind is so engaged to entertain your new visitors. I trust you will treat them in a very polite manner & whatever they may say of the Cookery be sure give them their Bellies full. Hoping soon to hear of yr. good Success, I am yr. Friend & hble. Servt.,

R. T. Paine

P.S. I have wrote Mr. Byers to come to Philada. Please to Seal his Letter & Send it him.

RC (Henry Knox Papers, microfilm copy at MHS) ; addressed: “To Henry Knox Esq. Col. of Artillery at New York”; franked: “free R. T. Paine”; postal stamp: “Phila. Jul 16.”