Sir,

Last evening the Sloop Macaroni, Capt. Packwood arrived in thirty days from Martinico after a very tedious passage, was over sett and lost his boom and bowsprit, mate and one hand, and most of his people froze, he has on board about eight thousand weight of Powder, Swivells, Musketts, Pistols, he had been to all the Islands and could not get any more. The Vessels that arrive from Europe are allowed to bring but very small quantities (according to the number of Cannon they have mounted) and after they have the powder on board, they land the Cannon in the night, so that I believe it will be difficult to obtain any large quantities soon, Capt. Packwood has left Two thousand pounds in the West Indies, part at St Eustatia and part at Martinico to be laid out in Powder, soon as it arrives. In short I am convinced he has done every thing in his power to obtain it, and would have proceeded to France but was assured it would have been fruitless as the Inhabitants cannot effect it. The Dutch have continued the Embargo for six months longer. Packwood says an English Man of War, has taken a ship loaded with flour and some cash that was sent out by the Continent to get Powder and was carried into Antigua, that there is a great many cruising Vessels out of the English Islands to take our Vessels. At the time Capt. Packwood Sailed Major Thompson of the Massachusetts gave Packwood £1400 L. Money to lay out in Powder for their account, and as he has not been able to lay out the whole, whether he must have his proportion, or only what remains after our money was laid out, you'l please to direct. I sent out £1700 and what he is to have may be of that at Providence ー If any news from our friends to the Northward pray be so kind as to let me know. I am, Sir [&c.]