Mr Rhodes Sr

I Received yours of yesterday and am Sory to find the Removing the Stock has met with so much obstruction  the Expence must amount to much more than all the Stock is Worth  if we had orderd the inhabitants to drove all the Stock into the Sea and the government a paid for it it would have been a great Saving to the government  I would advise you to discharg all the men immediately but them that was inlisted Soldiers  the Soldiers with their officers to Stay there for the protection of the island till further orders and that the owners of the Stock be advised to Bring of[f] all they have to Spare that is fit for Beef and market them as Soon as they can for fear of having them taken away and all the Rest of you to come of[f] the Island as Soon as passable  this Seems to be the opinion of all the Committee present from Sr [&c.]

[Endorsed] Col Rhodes fm Govr Cooke Sept 14 1775 Affairs on Block Island Cappy Letter to Colonel Rhodes at Block island Septembr 14