Sr., Philada. Septr. 18th. 1776

By Capt. Joy I understand you have at last made some 12 pounders, but I fear they are heavier than they ought to be. Those made by Col. Bird weigh but 27 C. & Some under.

You have drawn on the Comittee for 1500£. It is not Sent because the matter is not understood. We can’t suppose you want such a sum to carry on the works, & you certainly don’t desire the Cannon should be paid for before they are delivered. The Sum you draw for is the value of the Guns you have made, & as the Contract was made with your Brother Col. 290Curtis Grubb (tho you may be equally interested with him) yet I should like to hear from him before so large a sum was paid, however I have Sent you by Capt. Daniel Joy one thousand Dollars. I mentioned to Congress your Inclination to have some of the Prisners from Lancaster to work for you but it was supposed that the Committee of Lancaster would object to it. I hope you will make all expedition in making the Cannon & getting them down for they are much wanted. The Cannon must be proved with two Shott or they will never be put on board the Ships. Yr.,

RTP

Dft. on sheet with RTP to Col. Curtis Grubb of Sept. 20; internal address: “To Mr. Peter Grubb Esqr. at Cornwal Furnace per Capt. Danl. Joy”; endorsed. RC not located, but it is printed in William Henry Egle, History of the County of Lebanon in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, 1883), 37.

Sr., Philada. Septr. 20. 1776

Your Brother Mr. Peter Grubb the other day drew an Order on the Cannon Comittee for 1500 £ & sent it by Capt. Daniel Joy, who tells me that they had cast 27: 12 pounders & were going on successfully, but as none of the Guns were sent down & I did not know your inclination about paying so large a Sum, I concluded not to send it, but understanding by Mr. Joy that the Clerk of the Furnace had told him that Some money was wanting I sent one thousand Dollars on the Order. I wish to know your mind on the matter & whether you would have any more money paid. I wish likewise you would write me what you think to be a sufficient proof for Cannon for you know it is of the last importance that they should not burst on board the Ships, & unless they are Sufficiently proved the Sailors will be Shy of them. We have wanted the Cannon more than they are worth but I am now in hopes they will be made to answer both our Expectations. Wishing you health & Success I am,

RTP

Dft. ; on sheet with RTP to Peter Grubb, Sept. 18, 1776; internal address: “To Col. Curtis Grubb at the Flying Camp”; endorsed.