No 76.

Sir, Before your Letter and papers therein inclosed came to hand, we had received a Letter from Major Price, in which Mr Wolstenholme's affair was mentioned. ー The Council of Safety thereupon passed a General order to all the Committes of Observation and Military Commanders, not to suffer any Person whatever to go out of the Province for the present, a Copy of the Order was inclosed to Major Price and your Committee. ー all intercourse with the Fowey has been heretofore expressly forbid by the Convention, besides times are so much altered since Mr Wolstenholmes passport and the Men of War have so openly Invaded this Province, that we could not discharge our Duty without passing such order, at least we thought so. ー Mr Wolstenholmes case may be attended with particular circumstances, he must however submit to the times. ー We hope both General Dent and yourself on reflection will be of opinion that we have done right. ー the suffering Gentlemen to go off, on Board the Men of War or Tenders or any other Vessell that may have communication with them is attended with great danger to the Colony. ー every means of intelligence must be cut off if possible. We are &c

[Annapolis] 25 July 1776.