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The Master (supposed to be John Hetherington) of the Pilot Boat named the Black Joke, and another Pilot are engaged with their Boats at 20 Shillings pr Day, to stop up the narrowest part of the Channel, between the East and West Banks, for which purpose, they were Sounding the Depth &ca last Friday [December 1] and Saturday, the Materials to execute this Work, are preparing on Staten Island.
5th Decemr 1775
N.B. The above John Hetherington is now on board the Asia and Acknowledges to the having been employed upon the Occasion.
Endorsed Captain Parker's Intelligence from New York, 5th December 1775.
Rd in V. [sic R.] A. Shuldham's letter 19 Janr