Excellency:
Hardly arrived from Beaufort. I have nothing more in haste than to give an account of the state in which I left the forward of the orders I have, I give to my officer, but I saw Capt. Ellmen, and fear them against your orders. They will offer some delay to your commands for assemble there the Guard that you destined for. Your Excellency will feel how it is, consequence for me to hasten the work, I recommend myself to your country, and expect from you friendships then you will agree to my prayer. I have continually 60 men working, but the planks hold me back, and if I can send enough of that I hope than I have work shall be soonly done. What is finished is however able to rebite to one attack. The house for Garrison is ready also the powder house and the well. I ordered to place in the store, let the Garrison be carried there, 10 Gunners and one officer, so much for serve the gun, as for instruct in these recruits, the soldier who shall be send there, and as the same inconvenience which succeeds for my exits
for them. I supply to have the complaisance to send me commission of Lieut. for my officer, and of Sergeant for my second chief gunner.The officer is called M. L. Meignan, gentleman very well born, and able in all concerns to be officer, since he is in France.
The chief gunner named James Martin had been employed 6 years in the artillery, will observe that all these commissions are as more without allowance.
I am instructed that we have saved 12 guns of 18 pounders at Ocracock Bar. It is very essential to give orders to transport on Cape Lookout or lease 8, and I think we should be invulnerable to lay lost in Beaufort Point, can it must, order to construct carriage for them and assemble of competent.
I pray to address your answer to Mr. Long Brother in New Bern, who shall send it to me if I am absent I'm pleased to present my respects to your Lady and assure you of that with which I am
(Bad English and worse French)
Newbern 12th May 1778.