Preston Boston 22 November 1775
Sir ー
I transmit seven private Letters taken on board different Vessels bound to Jamaica, which, besides the Intelligence of less moment, prove beyond a doubt what I have mentioned in my Letter of the 20 instant, that the Congress allow no Exports but in return for Arms, Ammunition, and such other Articles as the Rebels are greatly distressed for to carry on the Rebellion against Great Britain. You will also observe, in one of the Letters inclosed dated Philadelphia Sepr 9th that the Congress have granted a Bounty of £4 pr hundred Weight on the importation of Gun Powder, with liberty to export the Value of any Quantity thereof in American Produce;2 Numbers therefore will become Adventurers while their Vessels can sail under the Sanction of an Act of Parliament, and the Prospects of Advantage are so disproportioned to the Risque of being taken; It may not be improper also to remark that the most handy and swift sailing Vessels, with their best Pilots, will be employed on the Business of getting Gun Powder &c. And that the Plan of its being received and accounted for whenever it can be landed almost ensures Success.
It is needless to hint the Notoriety of American Vessels calling at the French and Dutch Islands, notwithstanding the Risque, and taking on board whatever those Islands afford, and they stand in need of: therefore in my humble Opinion nothing but a total Stop at once to all their Commerce can prevent the Rebels procuring Supplies and prolonging the Rebellion. I am &c