Sir
As every stratagem must be used to procure provisions at this Juncture, the Contractor for the Navy at Boston has ordered his Correspondent Mr Wm McAdams at New York to charter a Vessel from 80 to 100 Tons, and to put on Board her Bread, Beef, Peas, Oatmeal, and Rice. These Provisions are to be consigned to John Grant Esqr Spanish Town Jamaica, and the Vessel of course will be cleared for that place. No person in New York can possibly know but she really is intended for Jamaica, not even Mr McAdams himself, who is ordered to write an Account of his Proceedings on this Business, And to draw upon London for the Amount. When this Vessel so laden goes down the River you must seize her, and putting a sufficient Strength on board send her to Boston; but I desire this may not be done till she is at the Hook, that the knowledge of this transaction may not get to New York and prevent our future Success, for which Reason all the People and the Master must be sent hither. If the Kingfisher could sail at the same time with the provision Vessel, and alter her destination at Sea, it would be better and blank Letters directed to Jamaica might be put on board her early from your Ship, so that no Suspicion would arise of your detaining her upon any supposed Exigency of Service. I am &c