[Extract]

Gentlemen, I have the Pleasure to inform you of my safe Arrival here last Saturday after a tollerable passage, in which there was no material Occurrence worth mentioning except our being chas'd near the West End of Grand Caicoes (where by some Accident we first fell in with the Land) by a Ship which we apprehend to be Stationed in those parts to cruize for Vessels bound to Cape Francois or the Mole. We have since been informed that there are several Ships cruizing in those Quarters -so that it might be dangerous to attempt a Trade with any of those Parts or to go too near in shore in a Voyage from hence Northward.

On my Arrival here I met with some exceedingly good ginned Cotton, of which I made a purchase of £ 100, worth on Account of the owners, as I was persauded it was an Article which would answer exceedingly well, and insured me against any Accidents arrising from the want of a sufficient Cargoe of Salt to obtain a Return Cargoe — I was the rather induced to this Purchase as the Bills I have given for it are at six Months sight, by which Time I hope to have it in my Power to make an ample Remittance — Another Inducement was the Apprehendsion I was under of not having a sufficient Cargoe to advance the Premium on Insuring at our next Port of discharge, in Case the Price of Salt should fall. — We have not our whole Cargoe of Salt on board yet — we want only between two and three hundred Bushells to accomplish it, so that I hope to Sail pretty early in the forenoon of tomorrow if the Weather holds fair of which there is at present a very good Prospect. —

P : S : Decr 11th 1776.

I am now to inform you that we have taken on board 2817 Bushells of Salt which is as much as we think it adviseable to carry besides what the Captains &c. have on board amounting nearly to 200 Bushells. I think it was not very lucky that Mr. Godets offer was rejected as the current price for Salt is nine Pence on board, at which Rate I have purchased the whole Cargoe. The whole Cargoe on board belonging to the Owners amounts to £205 .. 12 .. 9. as will appear below.

The Gentlemen Owners of the Sloop Dispatch.

I should have preferred loading at Salt Quay, but was universally advised not to risque lying there at this Season of the Year — especially as there would be no obtaining equal Dispatch there. These Reasons induced me to give the Grand Quay the Preference altho' the Salt is both lighter and cheaper at the former Place — The Season of the Year being so far advanced I was determined to lose as little Time as possible.