Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

24 Dec 1695

From M^r Addington

The Ship with Naval stores to
make good the £100
the People of Road Island
contend [for] Boundary
[they] will not contribute to
the war

I have lately given your Honour the trouble of several letters
by his Ma^tys ships the New Affrica & Unity, and the Merchant
Ships that Sailed hence under their Convoy, also by the Unity you will
receive the Minutes and Journall of the Council and Assembly, the Laws
and the Treasurers Accompts, which I hope will come safe. I then also
gave y^r honour a Sumary Acco^tt of the publick State of y^e Province
relating to the War, since which nothing has occurred worthy remarke
the Winter having shut up the Enemy in their quarters & proves a
Guard to the Coast; The Ship with Naval Stores sailed with the Mast
Convoy, upon her arrival S^r Henry Ashurst is directed to make good to y^r
Honour the hundred pounds of which I formerly acquainted you

The harvest fell greatly short the last summer so that y^e Province
is much Straitned for provisions, which is much advanced in the price
and the publick charge thereby increased for the subsisting of the
Garrisons &c, and the Treasury very low and people poor. Several
of late have removed to South Carolina and others meditating
to do the like either thither or into the Neighbouring Colonies, where
they expect to be less harassed with the War and freed from Taxes,
especially at Rhode Island, who have exceedingly thriven since
the War, and seem unconcerned thereabout, choosing to move
contention for enlargem^t of their Bounds and give disquiet
to his Ma^tys good subjects of this Province living near them
rather than to afford any assistance for the sudueing of his Ma^tys
Enemies, thô many think the Line of their Colony extends farther
already than they know how well to exercise Government over
or maintain his Ma^tys honour. Their Governour a few dayes
since fell off his wharffe and was drowned. It's hoped that his
Ma^tys Governour for this Province will have orders to demand
both men & money from them for prosecution of the War.

Please to pardon this digression I forbear to be further tedious
craving leave only to kiss your Honours hand, and to assure
you that I am with the greatest respect and candour

Boston
December 24^th 1695

Copy
M^r Blathwayt