[Extract]
Sir

. . . I make no Doubt but you have heard ere this comes to hand, of what has happened at [New] Orleans, and that, all the English Vessells at and about that place have been taken by the Spainards, the Captains, Mates & Men are all in Prison Morgan & Mather lost a Vessell with 22 Negroes on Board. Mr Waugh['s] Vessells Loaded with goods, another that had sailed for England, that had not got out of the River, was also taken, in which Mr Williams of your Place, had Shipped on his acct his Beaver, as he could not get the price for it that he wanted, what is become of him I can't learn yet, as there has not been any late arrivals from town, this I am certain of that all the English Merchts are ordered out of Town & have but 15 days allowed them to prepare for their departure, what all this means God only knows, but I am much afraid we are on the Eve of a War with Spain . . .