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Honble Sirs  I beg leave to acquaint you I arrived here the 6th inst in consequence of a Seizure I made on the 2d the Deposition of which will be transmitted you by the Governor, but I lament it is not in my power to give you the particular contents of the laden, as when I was attacked they robbed me of the Minute I'de taken with some things of considerable value my own property.

From the situation of the times & the distance of the place I was, to escort them to Singly you will suppose the attempt in this rebellious place must have been attended with the greatest hazard of my life, but as the object of His Majesty's Service (which I've much at heart) by shewing a precedent, I should be wanting in duty upon so urgent, an occasion was I not to exert myself, were the consequences attending be of the utmost Injury to my personal safety, in this Providence interfered when I add no man was ever nigher suffering Publick Execution, when I felt the inhumane barbarity of an incensed Mobb upwards of three hours from whom I experienced the utmost Brutality without the least lenity whatsoever.

The appointment of Surveyor sure was never intended I should fall a victim in a Country without any support, where the Civil Magistrate dare not execute his authority, as every man here is upon an equallity, in this what can an Officer do who is bound by Oath to perform the trust reposed in him when I assert this and assure you I am the first ever executed his Commission here as being the first resident ever here before from your Honours Candor I doubt not you will pitty my situation which I affirm is in the utmost danger, when I say this & can hardly get a house to receive me since I made the Seizure what must you imagine I undergo when I experienced those unhumane hardships.ー

That your Honors may not be further deceived in the appointment I affirm it unnecessary, tho' the Smugling Trade carried on here is very extensive particularly between this & the Province of Pennsylvania, where Ships I am well informed touch in at Duck Creek Land what they have for this Province to avoid the Customs & so proceed up Delaware to Philadelphia some part below which place lyes a Sloop of War which should prevent it, if His Majesty's Officers do not exert themselves, where they have protection what am I singly to do unsupported in an inland Country abounded daily with Counterband trade.ー

From these Circumstances Honble Sirs it is impossible to act, nor at the same time can I think of perjuring myself by overlooking things I'm bound to prosecute, but Cheerfuly will I execute his Majestys Interest provided assistance notwithstanding the Consequences for the present it is impossible nor dare I return as yet to my station from apprehensions of a further assault in this I must beg my speedy removal elswhere or leave of absence to return to Europe which I doubt not your Honours will immediately comply with.ー

I'm here now seeking an Asylum under the Governor till other measures are adopted for my Security in whom I find everything I can expect from the times & from the barbarous treatment I've met with am mostly confined to my bed which is very expensive exclusive of my private Losses which I've no prospect of ever regaining except thro' your Honors benevolence & good offices in my behalf when I remind you its hard I should suffer in my person exclusive of property in prosecuting what I was bound to perform, should I meet with no other attonement, I flatter myself from the Deposition you will approve of my Conduct, & that you will never have reason to Censure me in the execution of my Office hereafter notwithstanding this Miscarriage by a Superiour force it may have a little effect by the issue of a Proclamation. I beg your Honours indulgence for the incorrectness of this Letter. I suffer while I write but I doubt not the Collector & Comptr will give you a more explicit explanation of facts & that I remain &ca.