Sir
The Honble Mr Barrett one of His Majestys Council, came last night from North Side, and informed me this day, that the Gentlemen of Character and Probity told him, that an intended general Insurrection of the Negroes of the Parish of Hanover was discovered a few days ago, which was to have taken place after the 26th of July, as by that time the Negroes supposed, not only the 50th Regiment would be gone, but almost all the Ships trading to this Island, that in consequence of this alarm, several Slaves are already taken up, and a great number of Cutlasses, and other Offensive Weapons found secreted in different places ー I suppose my not having official Information of this very serious affair, from the Magistrates of that Parish, is only owing to their wishing to transmit me exact intelligence of every particular.
However I submit to you the propriety of detaining the 50th Regiment a few days till we learn the whole of this matter; I am urg[ed] to this early application to you, for that purpose, having this moment received an Account of the Squirrels arrival; therefore apprehended that you designed, sending them away directly ー As you informed me, the armed Vessel you was pleased to send for the Company of the 60th at St Lucea to sail as Tuesday last, She must of course be already there, so that it is too late, to send countermanding orders about that Company; however if things are in that dangerous way I suppose both the Sea & Land Officers would see the necessity of the Troops Remaining there, till further orders. I endeavour to conceal this matter, but I am told it is generally spoke of ー I am Sir with great Respect [&c.]
