As to newes from England or ye West Indians, y^ last came by his Mat es Packett boat, who left England in June, his business only to brinohis Mat'es orders w^h were in y^ three distinct letters to Virginia, Maryland & Pennsilvania, signifying only a war w^^ France, & that we must take effectuall care for y^ opposing or resisting any attemps of ye French upon this Province, assuring "his subjects here, his greatest protecon, by sending a considerable squadron of ships in to y® West Indians & other succors for p''tecting his Maties Plantacons in America ; no great matters of news else, but all was well in England & ye reducing of Ireland went on prosperously; som of opinion that y® p^sent circumstances of Albany deserve your greatest consideracons, & therefore no paines nor opertunity should be spared, to oblige or secure y® same to y« Kings service ag^^ y® French who will doubtless attempt something in ye sprinke, we have certaine informacon that a considerable squadron of men of war, are gone from fFrance towards

44 ADMINISTRATION OF

Canada j we have written home by y^ s*^ Packett Boate to his Magics principall Secry of State, y« present concUcon & circumstances of us all, wherein we have prsumed to intimate y« great service you have done his Ma^'es interest in all these parts, by securing so considerable a member of his dominions, w""'' is yc Sixth Vessell by w^h we have sent advise of our proceed mgs. I begg y® happiness of a line or two from yo"" Honour by y* first oportunity vf^^ will oblige us all to a due requitall, especially Honor«i S"-