[Extract]

Sir, I did myself the honor to write to your Excellency by Colo. Kirkland some time ago; and at the same time sent all the packets that came by the two preceding Mails. I now convey to your Excellency those brought by Pond, & am at the same time to beg a thousand pardons for the liberty I took in opening your News papers, as by some neglect Lord Williams² were not sent and in our present forelorn situation you may judge how anxious we must be to read any thing from England. It was Committee like freedom, but we don't stick at higher Crimes then felony or breach of trust in this Province³ ー The Governor has left me very little interesting to say of affairs here, there are great divisions amongst the Leaders, & I firmly believe the majority of the people of Charles Town are against all their measures. . . .

The 2d of July Capt Tollemache sailed from this harbour for Boston, perfectly well informed of the state of this & the neighbouring Provinces of N. Carolina & Georgia with the strongest remonstrances from the three Governors both to Gen. Gage & the Admiral; and so little regard has been paid to them, that not even a line has been received from either. . . .

The Cherokee is a great acquisition to us, Cap. Ferguson with good sense, politeness, and skill in his profession has the warmest zeal for the good of the Service: he is none of those luke warm officers with which we have long been cursed, and we have only to regret his force is so unequal to his spirit. De Brahm⁴ who he brought out has been plaguing us with his being impeded in carrying on the service he was order'd, but the Governor (who has moved from the Tamer to this ship) has cut him very short. A fine time to talk of his surveys of a Country that we are in a doubt to whom it may belong ー I shall be happy on every occasion to receive your commands, & am with the most perfect Esteem & respect Sir [&c.]

N B I take the Liberty of inclosing under your Excellency's Cover a few lines to Mr [James] Penman to request his good offices to this poor skipper. I shall be much mortified if my old friend is the Malcontent you alude to.

His Excellency Governor Tonyn

I will not trouble your Excellency with Mr Penmans letter I have given it to the Master. ー