Sir

I take the opportunity of Captain Spears of the Ship Champion to transmit to you the fair Copy of our last years work. ー

It is generally thought here, and indeed both Mr Cobb and I are of the same opinion, that it would be very imprudent to proceed among the Florida Kays, where we left off last year, considering that New Providence has lately fallen into the hands of the Americans, and their Privateers are sufficiently acquainted with the Kays to annoy us if they think proper, as they will, no doubt, expect us there. However we can find employment enough for the present without going there.

A hard Gale of wind that happened some years ago has greatly altered some parts of the Coast to the Westward of Pensacola, since I surveyed it, particularly Ship Island and the Chandeleurs. Wherefore we think it will be most proper in the present Situation of affairs, first to examine those places and the Mouths of the Mississippi; then to try how far the general Bank of Soundings runs off along the Coast, and afterwards we intend to carry on the Survey of the West part of the Peninsula of East Florida, near the Bay of Espirity to where we left off, when I was ordered up to Jamaica by Sir George Rodney to survey the Harbours of Port Royal and Kingston.

I am greatly in want of large Drawing Paper, and black-lead Pencils, particularly the largest kind of Paper called Double Elephant, I wish their Lordships would be pleased to order out a Box of Stationery, as I have had but one since I was first engaged in this employment with now and then some occasional supplies from Jamaica. At present there is even no common writing paper to be got here.

I have enclosed a Sett of Certificates for a half year's Pay which I beg you will be kind enough to sign and send down when it falls due. My late Agent has broke with almost all my money in his hands, which has distressed me very much, as some Bills to a considerable Amount have come back protested. I have the honour to be with great Respect Sir [&c.]