Autograph letter signed : Philadelphia, to Joseph Reed, 1780 Nov. 25.

Concerning the procurement of wood for his post; saying it has been "impossible to do it without Cash, which the Public Treasury cannot at present furnish;" relating his understanding that wood is being cut and gathered from land "about four miles from the City...belonging to some persons in England and that people of all Complexions were cutting & destroying the timber at their pleasure, no person having Authority to present them; and was advised to apply for Permission to cut as much wood off this tract as could be spared without Injury to the place as a plantation;" asking for the authority to take responsibility "to prevent fraud, and keep an exact account of the wood and as soon as money can be procured for that purpose, pay the Value to such person as shall have a right to receive it;" informing him "that the toll for Crossing the bridge over Schulkyll [Schuylkill River] from the depreciation of the money is become triffling, that the tenant there assures me it is with difficulty he can support his family and should any accident happen to the Bridge, it would be impossible for him to maintain boats for any length of time at the present tow rates of the ferriage."