Gentlemen

Captain Conway arrived opposite the mouth of Port Tobacco Creek about 2 oclock this morning & it being calm & an ebb tide he came here for orders about eight oClock ー I sent him on board again immediately to proceed up the eastern branch of this river till his vessel was fast on ground & then to deliver the powder to the Committee of Bladensburgh if I am not there without loss of time. The letter from Mr [Richard] Harrison would have sent by express instantly, but Colo Ware informs me he is pushing for Annapolis & I concluded it would be as soon at hand by him ー Mr Harrison writes me that Mr Wicoff of Martinicoe has consigned some medicine to Jenifer & Hooe for sale, I have not recd any directions from him about them, nor even an invoice, it seems his brothers at Philadelphia are to furnish directions about them, & if I find there are such as the province will want, shall delay the sale till I advise you thereof. I imagine Conway will be at Bladensburgh by this evening & some time tomorrow I shall be there to receive your orders respecting the further destination of the vessel & the disposal of the powder ー There came with Capt Conway a French Capt & 6 sailors by which means after he clears our coast, going out, the E. Men of War cannot seize him, as he will show F. Colours, F. papers & a french crew. I scarcely had time to ask either of the Capts any questions, thinking it unsafe to let the vessel lye here a moment, but if I find the frenchman tollerably intelligent I will bring him up from Bladensburgh to Annapolis. as Mr Harrison seems to think he may be a servicable man, if encouraged. Scott it seems is seized, but Mr Harrison has hopes of getting the vessel & cargo again, under some little disadvantages. Capt Conway says there is a great many troops in Martinico, the E frigates & Tenders are watching every Island, he fell in with one but gave her the slip in the night. I am Gent [&c.]