Sir I have the honor to inform your Excellency, that I have concluded a contract with Mess^rs Thomas & John Ketland, for supplying the State of Pennsylvania with ten thousand stands of arms; and to request, that you will favor me with a letter to the American Minister at the Court of London, for the purpose of engaging his influence to obtain the necessary permit for exporting the arms from Great Britain. The Agent of the Contractors in England is M^r James Ketland of the City of London. I am with perfect consideration and respect Sir your Excellency's mo. obed. H^ble. Serv^t Tho. Mifflin [Philadelphia] [November 1797] [The] President of the United States