Sir:

I have received from the Board of Treasury Sundry Letters and proposals for the purchase of our public Tobacco, which I laid before the Council of State, who were pleased to advise me respecting the same, as will appear by a copy from their Journal. Enclosed I have also forwarded the Board of Treasury a Copy and requested their further advice and directions, on receipt of which you shall be informed of the same. In the mean time, I request you will please to pay attention to the recommendation of the Council, by causing a survey of the Tobacco to be made to ascertain the quantity, and in case of any being damaged to have it reinspected. What gave rise to this, was a report of some being sunk in Boats, and other lying out in the weather. A particular Report thereof, the quality, quantity and number of Hhds, and the places at which the same are stored, will be necessary to be forwarded to me with the greatest expedition.