It was agreed when I was at Philadelphia that as his Majesty was to supply the Troops of the several Colonies with Provisions as soon as they were arrived in any other Colony upon the Publick service, and as it is with very great difficulty that the several Provinces can pay their provincial Troops, when out of their Province, that each shou’d supply his Quota of Provisions according as it shou’d be most convenient for the Service, and as it was agreed that 1300 Of His Majestys Regular and Provincial Troops shou’d be sent To South Carolina of which 200 should go from this Province, it would be convenient to send Beeves or Hogs alive from this province, and I got a Letter from Mr. Kilby with instructions to imploy Persons to buy Live Cattle to send To Charles Town or where they shou’d be wanted, and to apply to you to know what number I should contract for and how many at a time and at what times to send them, and If I could make a reasonable bargain to allow the Undertakers 10 ⅌Cent for their profitt & Trouble and to draw upon you for the Value in English Bills drawn upon Messrs. Wm. & Richd. Barker Merchts. In London To be negotiated in Charles Town and given To the Officers towards the Pay of The Troops—

Lord Loudoun having informed me he has ordered The Troops from the Northward and directed me To send the 200 Men this Province is to supply with the greatest dispatch I can, our Assembly being now sitting to enable me to do it, I must therefore desire that you will Inform me with the prices of Beef and Hoggs att Charles Town in order To Try to make it answer that markett, and whether you choose I shud give Ten ⅌Cent upon the price I contract for, or at what price ⅌ 100 weight, suttle pounds, the weight used here, they shall be delivered for, according as I can make the Agreemt. and what number I shall contract for of either Steers or Hogs, and how many at a time and at what distance of time to send them, and as I am Informed the Distemper is amongst the Horned Cattell upon the road to Chs. Town If the Cattle may be insured and at what premium, or to direct the safest road to send them. 

This I hope you will answer as soon as possible and consult Governor Lyttelton upon it to whom I shall write & referr him to this Letter to yo—