[Extract]

Sir  I have received your Letters April 22d and 24th  The Vessels laden with Provisions and Naval Stores I could wish might come to Boston, but in doing this we must not (I find) use Compulsion, but endeavour (by making it their Interest) to entice them to supply us. I therefore desire that you will make it publick, that all Vessels who shall bring to Boston for sale live Cattle, Sheep, Hogs, Poultry, Pulse, Fruit, Grain, Flour, Oats, Hay, Vegetables, & other Necessaries of Life, shall have my Protection and be at Liberty to depart with their Vessels and Crew, whenever they have disposed of their Cargoes, and finding that detaining New England Property is not likely to answer our intended purpose, you may allow all Vessels to pass as you please. I have no objection to the Friends of Government and Women and Children removing where they like from any apprehended Danger, and therefore approve of what you have done on that head. The Fishing Vessels may also continue to navigate as usual and depart with their Merchantable Fish to Market, as I cannot at present authorize the detention either of their Persons or Effects.

I desire you will get the brig Sukey, Peleg Ewell Master, late from New Providence and now lying at Salem, from thence, and send somebody in her to see her safe to Boston; ー giving the Officer Directions not to suffer any thing to go out of her without my written Order. In regard to your Situation you must act 'according to the best of your Judgment. I wish you to keep your Station as long as possible without risquing the Ship. Whenever you are in danger move into a place of Safety without waiting for my particular Directions. The Tidesmen belonging to the Custom house are to have leave to go to Marblehead in the King's Schooner, and when there, if insulted by the Mob, or they are driven from the Shore, you are to receive them on board and victual them as your Ships Company.

I would have you be very diligent in causing all foreign Letters to be delivered to you upon the Arrival of any Ship from abroad, particularly from Europe, as they may contain Intelligence of Importance, the Letters to be packed up and sent to me.

I have nothing more to add at present, but to express my Confidence that upon any sudden Exigence you will act according to the best of your Judgement for the Safety of the King's Ships and People entrusted to your Care.

I am &c

Lively at Marblehead.