Sr., Philada. Augt. 24. 1776

Yours which I recd. by the bearer I showed to Govr. Hopkins & we were of opinion that at so short notice we could not determine the size & No. of each Cannon. The Opinion of Congress Should be had, & there was not time for that, but I do not see that you need be in the least hindred for doubtless there will be wanted cannon of all the sizes. If your preparations should be applied towards making Cannon of the largest Sizes mentioned I believe it woud be profitable; from the good Success you have had of making long 18 pounders I have great Expectations that 272you will furnish us with good 32 & 24 pounders. I believe the length you mention are right for battery Guns. They are 19 diameters. By the Question in yr. letter I understand you to refer to Cannon to be made in the new furnace you mean to build. If you expect to be able soon to make Cannon for Congress in the Furnace you now have (beside those you are about making for the Frigate) you will please to let us know it soon & we will give an Answer to that particuarly. I heartily wish you Success in this Undertaking & am yr. hble. Svnt.,

RTP

P:S If you write on this Subject, please to add these words to the Direction (of the Cannon Committee)1 So that So that should I be absent it may be Opened by the Cmttee.

Dft. ; internal address: “To Saml. & Daniel Hughes at Baltimore Annapolis per John Simkins”; endorsed; letter of October on verso.

1.

Parentheses here replace brackets in the manuscript letter.