[Extract]

As to trade there is but very little what there is. is chiefly in the West India way, but that is very much Obstructed by the Milford & Liverpool & Viper who seem to be stationd this way. and take more or less every week. we were in hopes the Continental ships would have been att sea before this, but dont see any prospect of there being likely to get to sea: A Month to come, the complaint is for want of Guns ー There is here and the Towns round About a doz privateers Out, a small One took a briga from Ireland bound to Halifax with beef butter &c ー for the Armey is in att the Eastward & ex-pected up here Two Vessells from Antigua with Rum for Halifax was carrd into Plymouth last week. ー One taken by this state briga² Capt [Simeon] Sampson ー we have here Another briga³ belonging to this state near sailing Capn [Daniel] Souther, but these Vessells are not sufficient to keep the Coast cleer. I am Affraid the Town of Boston will be greatly distrest for want of Wood this Winter, As there are many Coasters taken which discourages there coming up...