[Henry Knox Esq &c the subject of Salt Petre Recorded] [Confidential] Philadelphia Novem. 14^th 1794 S^ir I have the honour to inclose a copy of a Letter from our Bankers in Holland to Mr. [undecipherable] dated July 15. 1794 which presents a very unfavourable prospect of obtaining any considerable quantity of Salt Petre in Europe. The estimate which I inclose exhibits the cost of the small quantity which lately arrived from Hamburgh, proves that the [strikethrough: price] [strikethrough: cost] of this article has enormously advanced in consequence of the War. Under these circumstances the expediency of attempting to import, [from India inserted above] the quantity wanted by the United States has been suggested. To this measure [strikethrough: weighty] objections, [may however inserted above] arise as the exportation, is said to be prohibited temporarily in all the British Dominions, except in the Ships of that Nation. If the United States will advance the funds, & run the risque, a mercantile House of well established Credit & information both here & in India, will however make exertions for importing 250 Tons for the use of the Government in the conditions specified in the inclosed Note. In my opinion the terms proposed [undecipherable] a due compensation for the services [strikethrough: pay] to be rendered; [strikethrough: in] in case a contract was to be made [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] they might perhaps be somewhat reduced; but were as they stand, a saving much exceeding the [strikethrough: probable] [strikethrough: received those proportioned] to risque would be gained [strikethrough: by the] [importation inserted above] [strikethrough: government]. I venture to make this communication to you in the absence of the Secretary of the Treasury, as the season for adopting some decisive measures is fast approaching, and as [a considerable supply is inserted above] the supply is [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] [partial to the inserted above] needs [strikethrough: [undecipherable]] contemplated by the Government. I need not add that every [strikethrough: thing] will be speedily necessary to the pursuit if the measure suggested, should be attempted. Yours The Hono^ble Henry Knox Esq [undecipherable]