As from Several papers that have fallen into my hands, I have Undoubted proofs of the Enemy being Supplied with Provisions, from almost Every Port on the Continent of North America, I must Represent to You the Necessity of putting an Effectual Stop to Such Infamous Practices, particularly at a time When there is the greatest Demand for Provisions to Supply the King's Troops; And as I am well Assured that there are Large Quantitys in Store in Several of the Provinces, kept up by the Merchants on purpose for Exportation; and that very large Supplies will be wanted for the Troops that are to Assemble on this Continent for immediate Service, I Should Desire an Embargo on the Shipping, were I not Averse to Such a measure, which might be Attended with Several Inconveniencies; And as I think the preventing any provisions from being Exported may answer the Same End; I must therefore Request You will be pleased to take Such Steps as You think best for Effectually prohibiting any kind of Provisions from being Shipped at any of the Ports within Your Province, Except for the above mentioned Services.

I Have made the same Application to the Governors of the Several Provinces nearest to this Place, & have likewise Appointed Persons to buy up the Provisions at the market price for which purpose I have Requested Press Warrants to oblige the merchants to Deliver what they have in Store at a Reasonable Rate, that the King's Service maybe Carried on, and may not Suffer for want of that most Essential Article.