I am sorry for ye greate defect of duty & unaccountable & oversenss in their Ma^'^s subjects to their interest in yo^" partes as well as into many of them herew'h us in this province, by v,-'^^ meanes from treachery, cowardize and carefulness, that unfortunate & to be lamented accident has happened w'^^ you, as to yo^^ desires for some assistance from this governm*, your Honor may be well assured, that as it is our duty so to doe, having his Mamies comands in ye Packett, seeming to intimate in ye enclosed to that purpose, so our interest obliges vs to secure ourselves by making some considerable attempts upon our Enemies, besides ye obligacon you have laid upon vs by your repeated Kindnesse and civilities, ye greater example you are pleased to remitt us of ye generous & Loyall attempts of His Ma^'^^ Governor of Barbados, in order to w^h I have & will still continue to vtraost entleavours for your best satisfacon & their Ma^'cs interest. As to news from England, we have no great matter here ; Ships now arrived, tell us in particular that three men of war and two fire ships are coming w*'' a Fleete for Virginia & Maryland ; have sent you a breviate of other newes that p'scnt occurs. We have noe newes at p'sent of an answer to o'^ letters & papers (relating to our affaires here) sent to England. If your messenger returnes (as you intimate) by way of Maryland, if his arrivall here comes to my knowledge, I will take