[recto]
letter from J. W Wendell
to Wlm Duer & Co
dated 22nd April 1782

[in pencil] Capt Duston
Lt. Frost
Mr Little


William Durer Esqr & Co
						Schenectady April 22 1782
Gent,

	I shall be under the necessity of sending 
On some Provisions to Johnstown this week for 
the Ensuing Month which obliges me to request 
you will please forward me on some Beef as 
soon as possible as I have not more on hand 
than to serve this Post to the Close of the Month.  
Capt Duston Informs me that the Number of 
Men at Johnstown will be Increased to between 
thirty and forty in a few Days, so that they 
will want nigh six Barrels ^Beef for the Next Months 
Supply_  Lt Frost the Commanding Officer at 
that Post writes me he should be glad of having 
some fresh Meat if it can be obtained, as he has 
had nothing but salt Provisions for two Months.  
I have made a purchase of 50 Bushells Corn 
out of the Bushells have bought no Beef as yet 
but Expect in a few days I shall be able to get 
some as I have a Man to look out for such 

[verso]
Cattle as will answer the purpose__I have Agreed 
with a person to make Candles on the Terms you 
mention. __ I cannot get any one to Undertake 
the Soap Business as Yet__  I can purchase 
Several Hogs at a Moderate price 14d After the 
highest which will answer for the Indians
and which I think will come as cheap as 
Beef __ should be glad of your Order if I may purchase 
Pork at that price__  I should be glad 
to get the Battarie of[f] as soon as Possible that 
she may return before the Close of the Month as I 
must have the Vouchers for Provisions offered at Johnstown 
from Mr Little before I can finish my 
Abstracts.__   The Batteriemen are much in want 
of their pay on Acct of their being Classed [?] to raise 
their Men I informed them I would write you 
on the Subject and if you give me Orders I 
would pay them__
 			I am Gent
			   Your most
				Obt Humble Servt
			     John W Wendell
PS
    please send by the waggons 
some Oakum and nails for 
repairing the Batteraries

Transcribed by Joseph P. Eldred

Edited by Julia Maserjian