In Congress Feby. 14, 1777

Resolved, That Mr. R. T. Paine be desired to contract with Colo. Gridley for forty 8 Inch Iron howitzers upon terms that he shall judge reasonable & cause ten of them to be mounted & sent to Ticonderoga.

By Order of Congress

John Hancock Presidt.

Sir, Baltimore Feby. 16th 1777

By the above resolve you will perceive Congress have desired you to agree with Colo. Gridley for forty 8 Inch Howitzers, upon reasonable 354terms. I must beg your attention to it, cannot enlarge at this time being much hurried, shall write you more fully by Express. I am Your most Obed. Hb. Servt.

John Hancock Prest.

I sent your Trunk by a Waggon with Money, which went off 11th Inst.

RC ; these two letters were written on a single sheet with the postscript on the side; addressed: “On Publick Service To The Honble. Robert Treat Paine Esq. Chairman of the Come. for procurg. Cannon at Boston or Taunton Congress Baltime. John Hancock”; endorsed.