Sir
In answer to your Excellency's Letter of this Evening I have the Honor to acquaint You that a few passes have been granted by me to some known friends to Government, And to an inconsiderable number of transient people & fishing Vessels; but I shall very readily comply with your Excellency's desire not to permit any more to leave the Town, but such as produce to me Your Excellency's Certificate of leave.
Having four days ago issued the strictest orders to have every Scow Punt Canoe and Boats of all denominations collected to the Southward of the Long wharf and not to be taken from thence except by Your Excellency's directions or my own, I have every reason to believe these Orders have been punctually obeyed And that the Captains of His Majesty's Ships would not be so Neglectful at this Juncture as to suffer any boat to be afloat or near any place where there was the least probability of her falling into the hands of the Rebels ー I shall notwithstanding order Captain [Edward] Le Cras to make a strict Search and Secure every Boat that can be found at or Near Charles Town.
Your Excellency May be assured, that I shall always Comply with every requisition you May have occasion to Make for the good of the King's Service and of my chearfully affording You all the Assistance in My power. I am Sir with great respect and regard Sir [&c.]
