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Sir I acquainted you in my last that there was one Barton a Ship Carpenter who had been employed on Lake Ontario, had promised to give to me proposals for the raising such a Number of Carpenters & Mariners as you proposed in your Letter to me; I now inclose you his proposals to me for that purpose, which I think Reasonable; & under the Terms he has proposed, I think they cannot be engaged in this Province; I have therefore Ordered him to Sett about Raising if he can 25 of each Class or more with all expedition, promising they shall enter into pay upon their signing their Agreement. I must acquaint your Excellency that Wages are very high in this Province, the Labourers being few, Farmers give in the Country 3/6d to 4/ Per Day at this Season & find them with Provision.

I thought no time was to be lost that this affair require'd Dispatch, and I do assure your Excellency that I will expedite it by every means in my power. I am [&c.]