Sir ー

Your long absence together with your silence which we cannot reconcile with your usual attention to business occasions some apprehensions for your safety ー especially as we are told that a Man of War & a Schooner Tender have been seen cruising off the southern Inlets within five days past & particularly were seen yesterday ー

We send this Canoe as well to bring us intelligence of your situation & safety as to take on board the Gun powder intended for the Battery on Sullivant's Island which we desire you will cause to be packed in one or two right Hogsds. which the bearer hereof will take with him for that purpose & send it in the Canoe We also desire that you will use every means in your power to conduct the Defence & the Schooner Hawke safely into this Harbour, if you perceive or apprehend danger on the Coast come opposite to New Cut or Wappoo, employ proper Vessels lighten the Defence & come through without delay ー We further desire you will attend to any Vessels [ ] of intention to load in any of the Inlets without proper permits from this Board which you will carefully inspect to avoid imposition by Counterfeits ー

By order of the Council of Safety ー