Dr. Sir:—

I have received your favor of the 20th current. The subject matter therein must be laid before the Council, who are to meet at New Bern the first of September; their results thereon shall be communicated to you so soon as I possibly can. In the meantime I think it necessary to recommend to you the keeping up a guard of at least fifty privates, from your Brigade, with the necessary officers, to be relieved in such manner as you shall think proper on the prison and magasine at Halifax. As some of the prisoners at Halifax, I am told, are charged with offences committed in the District of Edenton, it will be necessary to remove them to the gaol there, under a strong guard, that you will be pleased to furnish from the militia. At the same time give me leave to request you will inquire into the charges against such, and not only send down the prisoners, but also the necessary papers, and give the Court such information respecting the prisoners' offences, as you may be able to collect. Mr. Bondfield refused to act as Judge in that district. I have lately sent a commission to Mr. Johnston, who I hope, under the present circumstances, will qualify under it. You will be pleased to direct provisions to be had for the guards upon the best terms you can, until you receive further advice from me. I think the method you recommend will be the most eligible. I shall be glad to be favored with your return in the time of the Council's sitting: at the same time will you do me the favor of furnishing me once more with an account of the expenses of the prisoners so far as have come to your knowledge. The account you formerly gave me I laid before the Assembly; what they did with it, I know not: but being called on by the Board of war for such account, I fear I shall meet with difficulties in procuring an accurate one. Excuse the trouble I give you, and believe me to be, with sincere esteem & respect