[Elbridge Gerry Esq.] [War Office August 24, 1785] [Business being concerned] [and of the War Department of] [Post [undecipherable] ment] [seal] [Received from State [undecipherable] R.H.O.40.B.O.] Marblehead 24^th April 1785 Gentlemen I am favoured with yours of the [undecipherable] Instant on the Subject of the [undecipherable] war[undecipherable] lands. your Confidence in General [undecipherable] is undoubtedly well founded from his [undecipherable] Character [undecipherable] from this Continent; as well as from [undecipherable] Knowledge of Mankind, not having the pleasure of his acquaintance; I am therefore fully persuaded, that the Negotiation thro him is as good at least as it would be thro any other person. but the Advantage which the Legislature of penn^a has taken from the Demand for land enhancing the price in the new purchase to three times their rate of the old purchase is unexpected. The latter was [undecipherable] [undecipherable] or [undecipherable] here; the former is now [undecipherable] [undecipherable] or [undecipherable] per acre. In addition to this, the price of Certificates being from 2/6 or so to 2/3 upwards, the cost is enhanced so about by these Circumstances. I cannot conceive that the Demand for Land can support long the present rates; perhaps it may continue till a few have indulged their [undecipherable] to make purchases, but when the Continental Land Office opens, the price must fall, & be further reduced, as soon as the Dispute is finished between this State & New York, & their contested Lands are offered for Sale; [undecipherable] of the greatest part of this paid in Certificates at about [undecipherable] of their nominal Value, is in my Idea of the Matter no great Bargain. [undecipherable] invested in Certificates, will produce about 11/ in Pennsylvania Soldier Notes & upwards of 10/ in other Soldier Notes, should there enhance in Value as they probably will as fast as the Lands, You will at the End of a Number of years, with the produce of the Certificates be able to purchase the same quantity [undecipherable] considerable degree of Land [as?] in your first Calculation for the old purchases [undecipherable]; a Gentleman of [undecipherable] State informed me he gave but [undecipherable] [undecipherable] previous to the War, [undecipherable] here for land which will now sell at ten times the first cost; I am therefore considering all Circumstances for suspending a Speculation, till We can see how Matters will operate in Consequence of Opening other Land Offices — I am much obliged to you for your Conduct in this business, & agreeable to your request I have answered your Letter by the first post after receiving it — P.S. [undecipherable]. You informed me the [undecipherable]^th of [undecipherable] last, [undecipherable]he would bring "my bill paid at the bank" with him [undecipherable] [undecipherable] as the safest Conveyance; but as [undecipherable]he omitted it, I Wish to have it defaced & enclosed to me in a Letter. pray deliver the enclosed to [undecipherable] Lewis, [undecipherable]he assured [undecipherable] I am [undecipherable] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] all men your friend & very [undecipherable] Serv^t [undecipherable] Gerry