(N^o. 102)

Hon^ble Gent^n.—

My last to M^r Dean in answer to his of the 8^th informed you that I intended to go to Painbeuf to give you a fuller acco^t of the Lion, but various affairs have prevented.—I have now ordered every article that relates to that Ship to be collected and sent on board with the utmost dispatch and by the end of this Week I intend she shall be compleat in everything except Poultry Vegetables & such Provision as spoil by keeping, the same Lighter will also carry down the last Bale or Cask that is to go on board her.—You know her Situation, her sailing therefore will depend on what passes with you, for all I can say on this Subject I refer you to my last.¹—Let appearances be as rigourous as they please, if they give but a private indemnification We will rub through all the Forms; or what will be better, please to obtain a private permission to dispense with the late orders.—

As to M^r Montieus Vessells I have sent a lighter load on board of each, the Chalotais is almost full when she & the Lion are compleat the Mercury shall take all the remainder,—but here we are again in Difficulties and if you don't succeed in some way or other we shall be obliged to unload both these Ships to take the Arms out.—I have already mentioned the Ranger and the manner in which M^r Morris has arranged matters with me. This Ship will want many Supplies particularly Ballast, for which I propose Lead instead of Iron tho' more costly. my Reason is because Iron is to be had in many parts of our Country, & lead is not, therefore at any future Period the Ranger may afford a timely supply &, taking Iron in return, not injure herself. I beg you will please to say in answer to this whether or not I am to give these Supplies and apply to you for what surplus Funds may be wanting. I doubt not your answer will be in the affirmative, tho’I think the course of Business requires me to ask the Question. This Ship is now striped and will in a few days be carreened.

I send you inclosed the weight of several Bales of M^r Monteus Cloathing, I could not weigh an equal quantity of M^r Sabatiers to make the Comparison they being almost all on board & of the few Casks that remains none have the different Sizes distinquished: The weight of the Bales was taken in presence of M^r Peltier.—I have the honour to be [&c.]