Captain Barney having been detained until this Day and it being probable that he will not arrive in Europe so early as I expected I am very doubtful whether it would be proper to send him to the Havanna but think it would be better he should return immediately hither because it is likely that the Negotiation I proposed will consume more time than he can spare. His Ship is Small but she sails remarkably well and will therefore give us a good Chance of being well informed of the Situation of our Affairs. If there is likely to be any Delay or Difficulty in the Havanna Plan it will be best that you endeavor to obtain the Shipment of a considerable Sum in Europe on Board some of the King’s frigates. At any rate we must have money and I think you may venture fifty thousand Crowns by this Vessel. You will see that Capt. Barney is put under your Directions and is to wait your Instructions but I must at the same time inform you that Congress have directed his Ship to be purchased and sent to France among other Things for the Purpose of obtaining a better Communication with their Servants and more frequent and accurate Intelligence from Europe you will see therefore the Propriety of dispatching her as speedily as possible and I think we may probably fall upon ways and Means to afford you frequint Opportunities of writing with a great Chance of Security.

I am Sir your most obedient and humble Servant