Sir,

Passing thro this County in my way home from Congress, I find it the common talk here, that many avaricious inconsiderate and illdesigning people, have practised largely the carrying of live Stock and other provision to the enemies Ships of War, now laying in Potomac opposite our Boyd's Hole. In particular, we are told of many boats loaded with provision going to these Ships from your Shore, somewhere, I think, about the lower end of Charles County between Cedar Point and Wicomico.¹ I have already written to the Governer of Virginia on this subject, and I hope your goodness will pardon me for giving you the same information—It appears to me of much consequence to the common cause, as well as to the reputation of our respective governments, that this pernicious traffic should be prevented in future; and that those who have now offended against the laws of their country by supplying its enemies, should be punished for so doing. The artful enemy pretend they want to injure no body, desiring only to get fresh water purchase provisions²—Many are taken in by this plausibility, and tempted by Salt, rum, Sugar &^c. &^c, which are first taken from us, or from our friends coming to trade with us, and made the means of procuring provisions, that enable them to remain here distressing and destroying our trade—When provisions come not in sufficient quantity they encourage the Slaves to run away and keep them, as they say, to be redeemed by provisions—It is easy to see, besides the ill consequence above pointed out, how this kind of Trade may in time debauch the minds of the people and produce extensive mischief.—It appears to me that if some of your Gallies, joined by some of ours were constantly to attend upon the Men of War when they come up this river, and by keeping near the Shore and abreast of the Ships, out of reach of harm from them; they might effectually obstruct this pernicious Trade—I have proposed this to Governor Henry who I am sure will with pleasure cooperate with you in this salutary work—I have the honor to be [&c.]