Yesterday, by a flag of truce, I received a letter from capt. [Henry] Bellew, a copy of which I have the honour to transmit you, with the copies of those I have written to him. Though col. Woodford and myself were sensible it was our duty to withhold from him, as much as in our power lay, those supplies he wishes to obtain, yet the moderate conduct he has pursued, and the sentiments of humanity by which he seems to be actuated, induced us to delay an answer till to-day, and to couch it in terms which cannot but show him, that occasion, not inclination, had influence upon our conduct. Capt. Bellew's letter was brought us by one of his lieutenants; he expressed for himself, and every officer on board, the reluctance they should feel, if compelled by necessity, they should be obliged by marauding parties to snatch from the indigent farmers of this colony those provisions they were so willing to purchase. I thought proper, sir, to give you this information; and, through you, col. Woodford and myself beg leave to submit it to the consideration of your Honourable Board, whether we are to show any indulgence to those people, and, if we are, to what bounds we are to extend it.
