[Extract]
Sir,

The delay of the Cabot obliges me to be again troublesome to you.

. . . I have ordered three sloops and a schooner, with coals to go with this convoy¹ which have been ready to sail for eight and twenty days; & would have sent you more, could I have got vessels.

I beg you will not suffer any Contracts to be made for Coals, without my knowing of it first: as there are proposals going from this, that will not answer.

At this time there are twelve hundred Chaldrons dug up, which Captain Clarke will ship at the same rate he has done.

I think it necessary to inform your Excellency, that the Pyrates² which have done all the mischief on the Coast of this Province, appear as fishing boats, and have concealed arms: and all the Sea Officers have said, that Lord Howe has desir'd, that they shall not be molested: for they take the Merchantmen, which the Ships of War speedily retake: in this situation appear'd the Pyrate which the Gage lately took.³

This, please to keep to yourself, as I got this intelligence from the Master of the Gage, who is the best Pilot for the Eastern Coast, as well as Guide, in case of a landing; and whom I have found faithfull upon all occasions. . . .