Sir

I have been duly honoured with your Favour of the 11^th. instant.¹ The Committee to whom I communicated it feel themselves happy in the Anticipation of the Supply they shall acquire from your Exertions, the Necessity whereof still continues & Things yet bear the same unfavourable Aspect. Pork can be procured here at £4..10 ⅌ hundred but Salt is not to be had for curing any large Quantity. The Committee will not prescribe Price or any other Matter to you as they are so perfectly satisfied of your better Judgment in the Business arising within your State. The Seisures & Certificates in Consquence of them were intended to be levelled against & given to Engrossers & Speculators great Numbers of whom abound in the State of Maryland equal at least to persons of that pernicious Cast in any other State. They extend their Purchases & Influence into this State wherein the Board of War have repeated Information they have purchased up great Quantities of Provisions & every Article wanted for the Army. These avaritious & dangerous People had raised the Expectations of the People so high that no reasonable Price would command their Comodities. This Consideration induced the Idea of Seisures & Certificates & the Committee cannot but think that the severest Steps would be justifiable with People whose sole Motive was Gain. Any Loss they may sustain will be but a proper Punishment. As to the Persons who grow or raise Provisions on their Farms the Case is to be sure different. The Committee are sensible of the Justice of your Excellency's Observations as to the Bay Navigation. They shew too the Necessity of forwarding everything we can during the Winter when the Men of War do not venture so high up the Bay. Your Sentiments as to the Necessity of building Boats of a proper Construction have been laid before the Marine Committee who have had some such Measure in Contemplation & will no Doubt immediately take Steps for having them built Mean time if your Excellency can have Tobacco Flatts Shallops & other Craft fitted for a temporary Purpose all Expences in hiring buying or repairing them will be borne. The Treasury Board will take Care to furnish the necessary Supply of Cash & either transmitt it to you or pay your Drafts as you shall deem most proper. I enclose the Information herewith sent for your Excellency's Consideration & Enquiry & have the Honour to be [&c.]