---

Sir

Our Colony is still in great confusion & God knows how the War with the Indians will end tis next to a miracle we are not all cut off [by] them hostilities have been very violent on both sides and if not assisted by neighboring Governments we shall not be able to withstand them here's so great scarcity of provisions yet it is to be feared many will perish for want of food I and my poor family will be the first You'll scarce

believe me but I assure you Verbo Sacerdotis we have suffered much by hunger we found it the hardest thing in the world to keep soul and body together We can not do it long so that I intend to come for England God willing per the next fleet the Country owes me about £100 already and the longer I stay the worse it will be great poverty and heavy taxes I cannot get a penny out I have had no supply from England never since I came into these parts they who shall collect the dues here say they cannot tis not to be had one of them told me he would not give 12d in the pound for it how can it then be expected I should continue here & will be impossible to winter here tis a good time for us as well as Indians and Hoggs while fruit is on the trees that was last summer one mean dependence tho' with the hazard of our Lives by eating of trash I was afflicted with a violent flux for the space of 11 weeks I thought I should have died I have told you so much of my misfortunes in former Letters that I need not add depend on't they are worse than ever without any prospect of amendment I recommend myself to the prayers of all the pious members of the Honble Society and am

---