I must do him the justice to say that he has ever been ready to offer his Service wherever it was necessary and that he has formerly suffered many losses on these occasions, neither have I ever been able to find out that he \vas interested, however this may be I shall beg the favor of your advice and direction touching his request, as I know not whether he has taken the Liberty of mentioning it to you.

I am entirely of your opinion concerning the Trade &c by way of Missisipi whilst the traders find better Markets at N Orleans &Cj but I apprehend it might be remedied by Confining the Northern Traders to the posts, and if La Baye, ^ Miamv'sj were reestablished the Ind^ would soon resort there in great numbers and the Furrs would return to the Northward, but as it would not well answer those Trading at & about the Missisipi to send theirs by any other way than that River, some restrictions might I imagine be fallen upon to prevent the French from Engrossing it, and if proper Steps Could be taken to direct the Channel of Trade in West Florida, where the French are so well supplied with goods, N Orleans would not Long be the Mart in that Quarter, tho' I own this appears a difficult task as each Province has a peculiar Interest which must often interfere with the General good of the Whole.

I have had a Letter from Capt Maturin concerning the Cash, and another from Capt Stevenson who tells me it is in his hands, & I shall send the Receipt by next apportunity.