[Extract]
Hon^d Sir

. . . I am desir’d to mention M^r Shirley’s request of having a Flag to Convey him his Lady and family to Jamaica, (and) if granted to know what would be expected on his part— M^r Shirley reputation is so high with those who have had the pleasure of an acquaintance with him heretofore that any security would be given for the punctual per- formance of His part— if that could not be granted, whether he might have liberty to return by the way of Newport— I have retain’d all the Seamen who came in the Sirues,¹ M^r Shirley recommended them for good men they fully answer’d their expectation, they did all in their power to bring the Vessells in Safe, it would now be hard upon them to thro them into prison, as they fulfill’d their part of the agreement; I have declin’d doing anything respecting them untill I have your Excellencys direction—

This prize is by farr the richest that has been taken by the States Vessells, I know nothing more of the Cargo than the schedule transmitted to your Excellency by M^r Cahoon—² As soon as the Vessells are unloaded, I will take care of the States Moiety, and will (as I suppose be order’d to Your State) have them in as great readiness as possible— I send forward packets sent by the Captains Smedley & Parker,³ I will only add that the greatest attention shall be paid to the Interest of the State— I remain [&c.]