[Copy] Providence June 7 1793. Sir. I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your Letters of the 23 & 24^th of May; which I shall lay before the General Assembly at their Meeting on Monday next; who will undoubtedly give them that Consideration which the great Importance of their Object demands hath An Artillery Company, been lately revived in Newport, dressed in uniform; they have attended upon their military Exercises with Ardor and Assiduity; and their Skill and appearance would do Honor to any Troops. — On Account of the heavy Expences which the Company have been at in their Equipments the General Assembly have requested me to make Application to you for the Loan of two Brass Field Pieces belonging to the United States with their Carriages for their Use; this State to be accountable for, and to return them when demanded. — In Case of an Agression on the part of any of the Belligerent Powers a Compliance with this Request may be attended with the most beneficial Consequences. I am with every Sentiment of Esteem Sir your most obedient and Most hum^ble Servant [undecipherable: probable reading J.B. Owen or similar signature] [Henry Knox Esq. Secretary of War of the United States Philadelphia] [Copy]