Hond Sir

Mr Charleton did not call here at his return from Blount. Wherefore, I believes he intends himself unto the assembly to give you a particular accouut of his management with Blount. I understand by Col Maule that the Indians that were at Blounts upper town, called Uneray, are gone from thence he knows not where.

I am hartily sorry to understand of the great difference hath happened between your Honor and Mr. Chevin, and can not but blame him much for his great indiscretion, But being an old friend and acquaintance of mine, I humbly beg your Honor to moderate your resentment against him, knowing there is no man free of failings, and that revenge may be carried on too far, and it is at best but the frailty of human nature, where as to pardon offences, especially those that are great, is more than human, and is even divine, and participates of the goodness of God, who pardoneth our greatest sins; and the example of our gratious Sovereign may be a motive, who hath ever pardoned his greatest enemies. And besides, it must need lay such an obligation upon Mr Chevin, as to make him always hereafter have a great care not to fall under your Honor's displeasure.

I wish your Honor happy success with the assembly in what concerns the public, which, I believe, may at present lie chiefly on these three things vis the currency of our bills, the suppressing the enemy Indians that lie out, and the providing a magasine of ammunition always ready in case there should be occasion. For it is the prudence of almost all well governed states to provide for war in time of peace.

As for the currency of the public bills: our country debt, I believe exceeds not 16000 pounds and there being not less than 2000 titheable persons in the Government, which at 30 shilllngs per poll amounts in three years to 9000 pounds; and, I believe there is not less than a million of acres held in the Government, which at 40 shillings per 1000 in three years amounts to 6000 pounds: and for raising the other 1000 pounds a duty might be laid on all strong liquors imported from any where but the West Indies which in three years might easily raise the other 1000 pounds, to balance and clear all the country debts. And it is very evident that the importing so much strong liquor into the country greatly impovereth the people. And then if your Honor and Mr Richardson would consent to take all public payments in the bills I do not see but it would make them very current in a short time.

And as for suppressing the enemy Indians; in my opinion, Indians are the most likely to do it, and with less charge than otherwise; and those Indians that goes out ought to have great encouragement of the assembly, otherwise I doubt it may be a long time before they are suppressed.

Then, as for a public magasine: there should nothing be taken of the vessels but powder, shot, and flints, until there is so much had as may be thought necessary, and then other pay may be taken in such specie as guns may be purchased. For guns are very much wanted, especially here in the frontiers, where may be most occasion of them.

And care ought to be taken that the treasurers be diligent, careful, and expeditious in taking in the public taxes, at the time of payment, and that the bills be sunk as soon as they come into the treasury.

Your Honor's excuse for my enlarging so much on such things is humbly craved by him who sincerely is—