Gentl

I have received your letter dated 30th of Last Month objecting to the expence of Stores supplied to the Mary American Schooner by His Majesty's Ship Pallas late under my Command —

I beg leave to acquaint you that I was ordered by the Admiralty last year to seize all Vessels belonging to the Colonies that were in rebellion, to prevent their carrying Powder & Arms to America taking all such Vessels with me to Jamaica Where I was to deliver them up to the Adml They were not at that time Looked upon in the Light of Prizes, The Mary was absolutely in Want of these Stores to enable her to proceed with me down the Coast & to Jamaica There were none to be purchased upon the Coast of Africa, indeed if their had I do not see that it was my business to put myself to any expence in executing my Orders which if they had not been for the good of the Kings Service I should not have received I am Sure it could be of no service to me as the Vessel would not have paid her Condemnation if she had arived safe at Port Royal but she was very capable of Carrying Arms and Powder to the Rebels.

Tho' tihis expence may not be according to rule, I flatter myself the board will see the Necessity of it. I did not chuse to expend the Stores in any other Way as I wish allway to stick as much to truth as possible On these Occasions I am [&c.]