Williamsburg June 23d. 1776.
I recd. yr. obliging favour yesterday post, wch. not having time to answer then, I take the Opportunity of doing it to-day, Capt. Westcot. The Business you mention shall be attended to, so far as Richd. Lee Esqr. can inform me; for neither of the Mr. Steptoes have been here. Having just wrote a long Letter to our Friend Mr. Massey, I must beg Leave to refer you to him for what we are doing in Convention. Public News we have none, more than you'll see in the Papers, except that one of that infernal Crew the Gutridge's has just taken a french West India Man, coming to trade with us, &carried her up to Dunmore's Fleet, at Gwinn's Island. On Friday arrived here from James Town, taken by Capts. Barron, 217 highland Soldiers (very likely Fellows) of the 42d. & 71st Regiments. I only mention this, because from Purdy's acct. one might be puzled to know whether they were Soldiers or Emigrants: the Cadets, which are only two, will have their Parolle, & the common Soldiers will be distributed in the middle Counties, & permitted to contract for Wages with such as will employ them. The Convention have determined to adjourn next Saturday; but I hardly think they will be able to do it so soon. I am rejoiced to hear of my dear Children's Health, as well of your Family's, to all whom please to remember me kindly. Tell George his recruiting Expences are not allowed, nor any of the Minute Officers. I have got a Warrant for £3..5 for the two Guns, chd. in his Acct. furnished the Detachment of his Compy. wch. march'd with Ensign Cofer. I have spoken to Capt. Lee about the two Guns, his Compy. carried from Dumfries; but he says he knows nothing about them, & unless George can make some other Proof, they will be lost, & no Satisfaction recd. for them; especially as Capt. Lee's Company, wth. the rest of the third Regiment is ordered to march imediatly to Carolina. He shou'd also get a Certificate from Ensign Cofer for the Musket he took of mine from John Tillet's Shop; tho' I had much rather have the Musket return'd; for as we have a Bayonet for her, she wou'd now sell at £5..10. As I don't think I can be up in time, George must do the best he can wth. our Harvest, & must be as saving as he can of Rum & Provisions. Rum now sells here from 10/ to 12/ P. Gallon. He shou'd have all the Scythes & Cradles & Rakes got in order. Pray excuse Haste, & believe me Dear Sir Your sincerely affecte.