384 Journal and Correspondence

mand of Lord Dunmore, introduce the King's forces or raise
an army to join them, I do now solemnly declare that I never
intended so to be understood, and if called upon woud at any
time make affidavit of it. But as I before said, I sceirce know
the particulars of my oath before the Committee, as being a
close prisoner and under much fear and apprehension, yet be
assured, I was not so sceared or surprized as to have sworn
what I understand you have heard of.
Your obed^t Hble Serv^t
M^r W^m Barkley Townsend. Josiah Robins

Original-

[Pliarne Penet and Co. to Council.]

The Respectable members of the Secret Nantes
Committee of the Province of Maryland.
Gentlemen: Although we have not the pleasure of your
acquaintance we nevertheless shall take the liberty to assure you
of our respects, and make our offers of service to you in Europe,
and for your assurance of what we have the honor of offering,
will referr you to the Hon^ble Continental Congress & Secret
Committee of Philadelphia, to whom our names are well
known and with whom we passed a contract in February last
for the furnishing of ammunition and other necessary articles
in your present situation, and further you may inform your-
selves of Governor Cooke at Providence and Messrs. Nich^s &
John Brown of the same place, for which last we have dis-
patched two vessels since the establishment of our house in
this place.
We hope after your informations concerning us, be it from
the Congress or the Generals of the Army and in particular
from Doctor Franklin that you will be satisfied, in order to
put confidence enough in us to consign all vessels you send
for this port to our house, and we flatter ourselves to find the
best sale possible for your merchandize: and send in returns
what goods you will think proper to order, if they are to be
had in France.
We are able to furnish you at demand with cannon & gun-
powder, salt petre, sulfre, lead, Iron & brass cannons of all
sizes, muskets, such as we have sent the Congress, being of
the last mode for the Infantery of France, proved, well finished
and perfectioned with double bride locks.
We have muskets at all proof from 12 to 22 livers p^r pice
with bayonets, steel ramrods and boxes suitable for ball of 14
to 16 to the lb; all the muskets are uniform, of the same size
and same model; we have also handsome and good gun locks,
which are well finished and conditioned.
We have the honnour of observing that there is only our