Mr. President reported, that the commander at Fort Johnson had, Friday evening, sent up Doct. Mackie and a Mr. Williams, taken up, cast away, on the fort reef, and suspected of having intended to go on board one of the men-of-war in Rebellion Road. That upon some favorable representations by some of the officers who knew Mr. Williams, they were not sent down as prisoners. But that Col. [Isaac] Huger had nevertheless thought proper to order them to be taken into custody. That Mackie was accordingly taken and delivered to the militia guard, but Williams could not be found.

Ordered, That Doct. Mackie be brought before the Council.

Being brought accordingly, he declared that he went, last Thursday night, 6 o'clock, by desire of Mr. Williams, to accompany him to Mr. Begbie's at Hobcau. That he had no business there, nor much acquaintance with Williams. That in going they were driven upon the fort reef, when the boat filled, and they remained about six hours. That Williams carried with him a trunk, a mattress, and three guns, and said he intended to leave them at Begbie's, then return to town, and go to spend two or three months at George-Town. That he had no intention to go on board the man-of-war himself, nor did he know that Williams had. And that he had not seen Williams since he landed.

Being further questioned, Doct. Mackie acknowledged that he himself had removed a chest of cloaths, and a desk with drawers, to one McNeilage's near Mr. Begbie's.

He was then ordered to withdraw.

Ordered, That Doct. Mackie be returned to the charge of the militia guard and that the chest and desk, he said he had at McNeilage's, be sent for.