Gentlemen ー I am to inform you that I have just Rec[eive]d a letter from Mr Bigerat, Esq., Merchant in Martinico, ² who informs me that there has been a great Scarcity of Provisions there; owing to a number of vessels being detained in France on account of contrary Winds. On the 6th of May was the first arrival for a long time, & since up to 14th of the above month, 14 sail has arrived and has brought one hundred thousand weight of Gunpowder & a great many Chests of fire arms & great quantities of course Woolen Cloths, thare is Likewis 12 sail of ships expected ourly with 10,000 or 12,000 weight of Powder in each vessell: he further adds, there is not a Board nor a Cod fish in the Island & you may have Imediate Dispatch & a great Price for the above articles. Therefore if your Honours think fit to send a vessell with fish and Lumber, I think there is a Great Prospect of making a good Voyage and little or no dangour of being taken as there is no Cruisers on this Course [sic Coast], and will be chiefly hau'd up in the West Indies on account of the hurricane months. If your Honnours sees fitt to hire a vessell & send for the above purpose, I know of one that is a good sailor & will answer, & shall be glad to serve you in so good a cause, if you think me worthy of being trusted as a master and am with Respect [&c.]

N.B. My letter was dated the 14th of May. He said Powder was 5s.10d. on account of our vessells weighting there so long, but it has since fell a great Deal & he thinks it will be less. The first vessels that goes there will get Woolen Goods cheap & I fear they will be much wanted in our Army next winter.

[No address]

R. Parker.