Sir

I take the Earliest opportunity to acquaint your Excellency that I arrived here on the 12^th. Instant after a very Tedious and painful navigation. I have not yet had time to make myself perfectly acquainted with the Situation of the Kings affairs in this Country, therefore I think it necessary to send, for your Information Copies of Captain Ferguson's Correspondence with the Governor of Louisiana, and with his Majestys Subjects now under the protection of the Spanish Government—¹ I will at Present confine myself to the following observations That the head Quarters of the Rebels is now at New Orleans from whence they make their plundering Excursions both by Land and water, in so private a manner that it is not possible for the Kings Ships to prevent it, I most earnestly wish to know what your Excellency would recommend in such a Situation. Do you think I should Commence hostilities with Spain—² or would you have His Majestys Ships proceed up the River, where there is Scarce a Subject left— and the most fertile parts of the Province are laid waste— Manchack is Totally Stript, and only the bare walls of the houses remain as a Monument of the Cruel depredations that have been committed by a Rebel Banditti— A number of His Majestys Subjects have Escaped with a Considerable part of their property, and Sought Protection on the Spanish Territory, and I am well assured, that they will not return to their Plantations 'till they can have the protection of a Sufficient Military Force; if such Protection can be afforded from Pensacola the officers and Crews of His Majestys Ships under my Command, will be happy in Cooperating with the Kings Troops in bringing about so desirable an end— I heartily wish such a measure may be adopted, if not I have only to lament the loss of the most Fertile parts of West Florida— and perhaps a number of Industruous People who will be under the necessity of becoming Spanish Subjects. I beg leave further to observe to your Excellency that I think all British Commerce to this River, should on our part be prohibited, whilst an Enemy is in Possession of the Country. I am well assured that Goods have been lately Introduced into this place by British Merchants, which Goods have been purchased by the Spanish Commissary for Indian Affairs expressly for the purpose of gaining over the Indian Nations, a Circumstance that may prove fatal to the peace and welfare of your Province 

Captain Fergusson by his good Conduct and perseverance has succeeded so far as to prevail on the Merchants, to draw all their Ships from the Town of New Orleans. M^r Campbells Brig³ that was taken is given up, and will fall down the River this day, the only British Ship remaining here is the Rebecca Still under the protection of the Spanish Governor, in Consequence of her having been taken upon English Territory. 

I could wish to know whether your Excellency conceives this affair, is to be Settled by Arms, or by Negotiation; if the latter I think it would be highly necessary, that your Excellency should send deputies from your Council, who I think would have much more weight than possibly could be expected from the Commander of a Kings Sloop, whose line of Service is quite Foreign to such Business. Neither Captain Fer guson or myself have heard a Word of M^r Burdon since he has got his reinforcement,⁴ but I have the Mortification to learn that a Party of Rebels (under the Command of one Rumsey formerly an officer in His Majestys Service)⁵ have plundered Several Plantations, and burned Houses near the Lakes— For any further Information I refer you to the Bearer who is a good Subject and has His Majestys Service much at heart— I have the honor to be &c. 

P.S. Since writing the above I have received an account of the Capture of a Schooner in the Mississippi and that you may be fully acquainted with the Particulars I have enclosed to you, a Copy of a Petition from M^r Ross to Governor Galvez on that Subject—⁶ The very difficult Situation that I am in in Consequence of the part that the Spanish Governor has taken in this affair renders it unnecessary for me to point out to you how far it may be requisite to take some Speedy and Spirited measures to prevent a growing evil—⁷ 

This I am Convinced, of that you have more force in the Province than the Spaniards have in Louisiana, altho Joined by their associates— I had forgot to tell your Excellency that your Letter was delivered to Governor Galvez Yesterday.—