Sirs

I had the Honour of writing you by this Conveyance yesterday since which I have the Pleasure to Inform you I Receiv'd A letter from Capt^n. Calvert in the privateer Schooner Nam'd the Reprisall, fitted out by me lately, which letter Informs me of A prize he has made outside of this River, with the following Cargoe on board Viz 48 Slaves 98 Barells of flour 2 Bbls Sugar and 1 Bbl Coffee Arriv'd to A Safe Port,¹ I have also the Satisfaction to Acquaint you, that I have Just Receiv'd A letter from Lieu^t. Tho^s. M^c.Intyre dated the 30^th. Ult^o. at Manshack from which place he had Driven off (some Rangers & Tories) that was lodg'd there, and was then in full possession of the Place,² which he had made an Offer of to the Spanish Commandant to take in Charge till Demanded by you, MoIntyre also writes that he had A large quantity of Stock Gather'd which he had his men then driving Over to this side. This will prevent the Enemy having any fresh Provisions should the[y] dare Retake that place from the present possessors, and be of Infinite Service to us when wanted for the Use of our Troops and Batoes. This goes by M^r. George³ after the Batoes & Goods I sent yesterday and have Given him Orders to hurry down those Batoes here Again should you not have any demand for them up at the Illinois Country in Order that I may dispatch them back with more Goods, This I am Oblig'd to do as Chief of the Batoes belonging to this River is now taken up by diff People for that Place. Youll no doubt find the Charges come high on sending up those Goods, but youll please Observe I have try'd Every method I Could think of to avoid any Extraordinary Charges by agreeing for the first Boat at so much A Bale, and I thought to lessen that price, by fitting out the Second myself But notwithstanding all my Oeconomy I find my Error and for the future if possible agree by the Bale or W^t. for which the Customary prices is D^rs: 25 ⅌ 500 lb which they Esteem to be [equal to a]⁴ french Hhd delivered at the Spanish Fort in the Illinois Country As Mon^r. Pouree⁵ the Patroon and Commander of the Two Batoes is the person [who]⁶ freighted me the first ⅌ month till his Return which may perhaps Appear high to you yet he is well worth the money as he is Aman of property & Character which will have A Great Charge & trouble for his wages. And I make no doubt will do his Duty. I have Given Orders that in Case they Should meet any of your Troops to Supply them with what any of the Commanding Officers may want I have the Honour to be [&c.]