Gentlemen
St Eustatius March 11, 1776ー
Having been intrusted by the Convention of Maryland with the execution of such Business in this Island, as the Critical situation of the Colonies [render] Necessary: Was Also on my departure from thence furnish'd by Wm Lux Esqr with the State of some transactions between the Colony of Virginia, and Mr Isaac Vandam of this Island, (lately deceased) repos'd in his hands by your former Agent Mr [John] Goodrich, to a considerable Amount, with Orders to procure a Settlement & receive the Sum due, but not being fully impower'd to act agreeable to the forms required by Law, Shall not be able to render you any further Service at present than procrastinating a Settlement (which expect to Effect) untill I can be furnish'd with proper Credentials from your Honorable Board to invalidate the Claim of Mr Bartho. Goodrich
who arriv'd here soon after me on Government Service - and who expects a [blotted] who was more immediately concern'd in this Transaction to further his Claim: He Founds his demand on the Provincials having wrested from his Father to a more considerable Amount ー & its suspected gone to Antigua, to procure a Letter from the Admiral, to the Governor here, to order the Payment of this Money, to reinstate him. As the Money was Lodged here to Answer Purposes which the State of Holland do not License -
I've eve[r]y thing to apprehend shoud he pursue this Method: ー I make no doubt what I've offer'd will induce you to exert yourselves to C[ounteract] the designs of this Scoundrel, you may rest Assured if you should Charge me with the Execution of this, or any other Commands they shall be carefully & punctually comply'd with by Gentlemen [&c.]
Abm Van Bebber
