High and Mighty Lords, We have heretofore represented, in writing, to your High Mightinesses, that our constituents, the respective Chambers of tlie Incorporated West India Company, think and fear that the utter ruin and dissolution of said Company will be the consequence of the present negotiaiion for a Trace with tiie Enemy, and have therefore with all submission besought you, High and Mighty, that you would be pleased to be careful that nothing may be done to the prejudice of its commenced proceedings, which have been of such benefit to this country but that the Company ;

may, as heretofore, be also in future, strengthened and supported, and continue thus sustained, in order more and more to be of good service to this state and the stockholders. We have now considered it further necessary and useful to explain to you. High and Mighty, in all submission, the reasons of our fear, in order that your High Mightinesses being informed thereof, may more seriously consider the same; and to answer all such objections as may be brought forward to the contrary, so as to remove all arguments which may influence you. High and Mighty, to judge otherwise, of the importance of this matter. ' Your High Mightinesses are aware, and it is not unknown to us, that this Company was in the commencement, designed principally to increase Trade and Commerce, without which the great multitude of seamen bestowed by God on this country cannot be employed, and all

occupations maintained in continual action and prosperity; that, also, those who supposed themselves most conversant with this trade, were of opinion that the West India Countries