(Copy)
Sir,

In pursuance of your Order of the 19^th: last Month I arrived here with His Majesty's Sloop under my Command the 13^th: Ins^t. the Southampton and Atalanta were lying in this Bay, the Sylph was some days before sent to the Mississippi, on the request of the Governor Chester, who had received intelligence, that one Willing with a Party of Rebels had come down to the River, taken a Ship,¹ plundered and made prisoners of many of the inhabitants; and obliged them to Swear Allegiance to the Congress; After my Arrival the Governor was informed that Willings Party consisted of only twenty five Men, from whom it was thought little could be apprehended, when the Sylph should get up the River—Yesterday morning the Southampton sailed and I was ready to Sail, when the Governor received expresses informing him that Willing was joined by a numerous banditti who had plundered the Inhabitants on the Banks of the Mississippi, and carried their Negroes and other property to be sold at New Orleans, taken a Brig,² and that a rebel General Morgan³ was expected down the River with Two thousand Men intending to make themselves Masters of this Province Late last night I received a Letter from the Governor, of which the enclosed is a Copy; as soon as I can get a pilot I shall proceed for the Mississippi in order to join Captain Ferguson, who I hope is by this time far advanced up the River. When you have perused the enclosed papers I flatter myself you will approve of my staying here to give all the assistance I can for the protection of this Colony—I have the honor to be [&c.]