[Extract]

Cap. Dill in a Vessel belonging to Messrs. Richd. & Jno. Jennings now goes to Virginia with intentions to get a load of corn and have desired me to write to you requesting your Assistance in Case there should be any Stop put to the Exportation of provisions . . . I shall add that Our Legislature have passed a Law prohibiting the Exportation of all Provisions from hence so that there is no fear of any that comes here will be Suffd. to be sent from the Island and Cap. Dill has orders to enter into any Engagements that may be required to that purpose. I need not tell the distress we shall soon be in if we are not permitted to have provisions from America as it is impossible for us to subsist without their Assistance.

Shou'd it be urged that we have not shewn any Inclinations towards the Americans by corning into resolutions similar to theirs I must Answer That no people are more fond of Liberty than the Bermudians, but as they can be of no service to the Cause and indeed as little hurt, our Situation is such that we lye intirely at the Mercy of Great Britain who shou'd we offend by such resolutions wd. undoubtedly distress us, which could effectually be done even to a famine by only Sending 2 small vessels of War to be Stationed at the East and West ends of the Island which wd. prevent any Vessel coming to us.