Contract Between the Secret Committee and Thomas
Mumford for Supplying Gunpowder
Owner anonymous; transcript furnished by courtesy of Dr. Joseph E.
Fields, Joliet, Ill. (1957)
<Committee chamber, Philadelphia, November 28, 1775: The
undersigned, a quorum of the committee of secrecy, contract with
Thomas Mumford of New London, merchant, for a voyage or
voyages to procure speedily fifty tons of good gunpowder or, if so
much cannot be obtained, sufficient saltpetre and sulphur to make
up that amount. The United Colonies will charter the vessel or
vessels required, freight to be paid on their return, and will insure
them against capture. The owners assume the risk of the sea, will
employ prudent and skilful supercargoes, and will receive a 5%
commission on the purchase. $28,500 in continental currency
will be advanced to Mumford, for which he will render account to
the United Colonies. The powder will be landed in the colonies at
a safe and convenient place east of Chesapeake Bay, and the location
will be revealed as soon as possible to a quorum of the committee.
Signed by Samuel Ward, Franklin, Thomas Willing, Josiah
Bartlett, Francis Lewis, and Thomas Mumford.>
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