Gentlemen

Bazil Clarkson of this County was brought before us a few days ago being charged with going on board the Enemies Tenders, and carrying some men to join Lord Dunmores Party; And upon examining into the affair, we thought it our duty to send him over under the care of Capt [James] Hindman to take his trial before your board. John Rumbley was the only Witness produced to us against him, whose deposition we have taken & now send you enclosed.² It is said Clarkson bears a very ill character as to holding a communication with & carrying men in his boat to the Tenders. And we have just now been informed, that one Job Slacom Jr of this County will prove that he endeavoured to persuade him & some others to go with him on board the Tenders and join Lord Dunmore, but as the guard was just setting off with the Prisoners, we could not delay them until we sent a summons for Slacom. There were several other persons apprehended in this County on Suspicion of being unfriendly and having a communication with the Enemy, but upon our enquiry into their conduct, we could fix nothing criminal on them, & therefore discharged them, tho' some of them were under rather suspicious circumstances And indeed we are sorry to inform you that we have lately discovered such an unfriendly disposition in many of the Inhabitants about the Islands in this County that we are convinced it will be productive of very ill consequences unless some steps are immediately taken to keep them in proper order; And we beg leave to submit it to your Consideration, whether it may not be absolutely necessary for the public service, that of one of the Independant Companies be immediately stationed in that part of this County. The inhabitants there are so much exposed to the depredations of the Enemy, that we cannot help thinking many of them have been induced from that circumstance rather than from inclination to appear friendly towards them, and that many may be prevented from attempting to join the Enemy could they see any Forces stationed among them to afford them proper protection. Our militia have been so long on duty, guarding our Bay and River Shores to prevent the depredations of the Enemy and the Escape of Tories, that they have many of them lost considerably in their Harvests and suffered much in other parts of their property, andwe fear that if they are not assisted very soon they will be almost in a state of despair. Capt Woollford's Company which was originally intended for this County is now taken from us, and part of it is ordered by Major Price to be stationed in Somerset, and the other part on the mouth of Nanticoke, whereby it is rendered almost useless to this County; and we are left in a manner defenceless, tho' as much exposed as any County in the Province. This being the situation of our County we thought it necessary to inform you thereof, and we doubt not but your Honours will pay proper attention thereto. We are with great respect [&c.] Signed p. order.

James Murray, Chairn

P.S. We are greatly in want of Powder, and should be glad to receive a supply as soon as possible. ー