Although by the way of Boston, I suppose you would sooner receive the sad tidings of your brother's decease, in whom as you have lost an only brother so have I a dear friend ; 1 shall not insist upon many particulars relating thereto; our general letters arriving to you herewith I hope sufficiently inform you ; yet I cannot but reflect upon the transitory condition of poor mortals, when I frequently call to mind in how little time God hath been pleased to break a family, in taking away the heads thereof; first, a virtuous young woman in the prime of life, and then a man full of strength and vigor, inured to hardships, of whom there is remaining but one poor blossom, of whom yet there may be great hope with your kind friendship, for it is a lovely, healthy child, and was well at Harlem, where it is at nurse, and I went to see it yesterday. I was also at the plantation on the other side, when there was some public correction of two or three negroes, and breaking the necks of a mutiny among the white men by Mr. Gibbs, and through his vigilance it is now in good order. The crime of the negroes is reported to be so natural to them, which was both stealing and receiving stolen goods.

Worthy sir.

Your most dutiful

Humble servant,

Matthias Nicoll. ^ The Governor presents you his kind respects and service.

Col. Lewis Morris,

At the Island of Barbadoes.