I had only the Duplicate of your Excellencys letter of the 7th. of December last, on Saturday the 9th Inst. in Charlestown, the Original of which was delivered to me by a Ship from N. York which had been blown off the Coast to Bermuda & arrived here this Day

The Confirmation of the Peace with all the Indians has given me great Pleasure as we do now improve all our Colonies & have the Benefit of all the inland Trade of this east Continent and know Danger in future Indian War, as they can have no Supplies, but from Britain & her Colonies, and I hope will be now soon civilized & enjoy the Sweets of Liberty under the happy Auspices of our glorious King in happy Constitution of Britain—

As I had no proper Notification, I will not issue a Proclamation sooner, but shall now do it, in the same Manner as done in, Your Province though we have no immediate Trade with them—

Give me Leave at the same Time to congratulate Your Excellency upon his Majestys distinguishing Favor to you in your being Appointed General and Commander in Chief over his Majesty's Forces on this Continent; and hope you will long enjoy it—

Having procured an Act of Assembly here for improving the Navigation of the River Cape Fear, by laying Buoys & erecting Beacons; and being at a Loss, for proper Buoys, I beg leave to send you the above [illegible] [directed] to me, by the Commissioners of this Navigation: and whatever the Expence is shall be discharged to your Order if I should be here, but as I have got his Majestys Leave of Absence for one Year to Return to England; Lieut. Governor Tryon who is now here, will see you Draught honoured by the Commissioners. I wish you all Happiness and am with due Regard—