Wilmington May 24th. 1778—
[Extract] Sir,
On the 7th. Inst. I shipp’d Ninety Barrels of the public Pork, on board of a small Sloop1 (of which I was part owner,) for the South Quay, and had fortune smiled on this first Trip, I intended to have sent her a second time had I not got another vessel before her return— but my intention is set aside, as Goodrich2 has laid hands on her, & sent her to New-York— by which the public as well as myself will be considerable loosers— Without further orders from your Excellency, I dont think it will be prudent in me to ship any more, as we are well assured three small privateers are constantly cruising off Beaufort and the risk must undoubtedly be great—. . . .
I am your Excellency’s [&c.]
Francis Brice
LB, Nc-Ar, Executive Letter Book, pp. 464-65. Addressed below close: “Gov: Caswell.”
1. Sloop Robert, Samuel Pelton, master. UkLPR, H.C.A.32/443/2. See also, The New-York Gazette; and the Weekly Mercury, 25 May, below.
2. Bridger Goodrich, captain of the Bermudian privateer sloop Hammond.
