I have received this minute a Letter signed “The People,” representing many unwarrantable proceedings of Capt Collet, which it would have been always my Duty to enquire into, and to prevent as far as lay in my power, if I had been made acquainted with them timely. In all cases where his indiscretions have come to my knowledge, I have interposed my advice and authority, and I persuade myself not without effect, as well appears by his delivering up the Wines he has detained in his possession. There are other allegations against him in the letter I have received of most heinous nature of which I never heard one word before, of his unjustifiable seizure of the Corn, I have been informed and highly disapproved, and remonstrated against it, and shall use my utmost authority to make him restore it.

The charge of encouraging Negroes to Elope from their Masters, and of exciting them to insurrection, Captain Collet most solemnly and absolutely denies, and I should hope it is founded on report and not in fact.

The dismounting of the King's Artillery, in Fort Johnston, has been done by my Authority and by Virtue of the Powers vested in me by His Majesty, from conviction that it was expedient for the King's Service, and it will be my Duty as you may be assured it will be my care to prevent any injury happening to them where they are laid for the present. I must therefore hope and desire that you will not under the mistaken belief of Captain Collet having dismounted the Cannon in Fort Johnston of himself proceed in your present design of removing them, as you will thereby do violence against Lawfull Authority which it will be inconsistent with my Duty to permit, and which cannot fail to draw upon you His Majesty's highest displeasure. For these reasons I do most earnestly advise, exhort and intreat you to desist from your purpose. As