I am sorry to inform our Excellency that I am not by any means able to procure salt in the West Indies on the terms which I expected. The doubts that are entertained here of property in America, renders it very difficult to get any person to accept of a draft on the State. Added to that the risque of the vessel in which the salt must come, makes it impossible to procure any quantity into that State without giving a most extravagant price; much more, I am sure, than the Convention expected at the time that limited the Agents each to draw only to the amount of six thousand two hundred and fifty dollars, a sum so inconsiderable that it would not procure more than three thousand bushels of salt delivered there and to purchase one bushel here by a draft on the State, and to get freight would be altogether impracticable. I have contracted for and sent per the bearer, Capt. Sears, bound to Edenton, seven hundred and fifty bushels, at sixteen shillings per bushel delivered there: and given a conditional bill on the Treasury for the amount of the same. I have at present a prospect of procuring salt on those terms to near the amount I am authorized to draw for. If it should be the case, I hope to dispatch the vessel in a few days. My bills are only payable in case the salt is delivered I shall therefore be obliged to remain here, until I am informed of the safe arrival of whatever salt I may send, unless otherwise ordered by the Hon'ble the Council of State. In the meantime I shall do everything in my power to encourage the carrying of salt to that State: If it should be judged best to endeavour to get a greater quantity of salt, or any other article on the acc't of the State, I shall gladly do everything in my power to procure it, on my being properly authorized to do so, on the best terms, and with all possible dispatch.