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To the Council,

Yours of the 11th Ulto I rec'd the 26th by Blackledge. I have finished my first Works and let on Water last Thursday the 3d instant. Expect to make Salt in 4 or 5 Days; if we have good weather I have no doubt of Success; I thought the Exigencies of the province called for a quantity rather than a Sample, however must and will in some measures submit to your orders. Let the

Public I have been so anxious about suffer what they may by leaving off the works, but hope to finish a Second Divission (or work) in about a week. If I by so Doing trangress your orders must pay what I lay out amiss. Have Discharged most of the people at high Wages which was Necessary, as I have no money for them at present; and my common labourers I have reduced to about 30, & As it appears you have no great confidence in my integrity, or are Diffident of my Abilities, I shall be always Willing to quit your Service, and hope to see you soon, with account of quantity, and sample of the quality of Salt. I am as usual

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