[Previous copy of letter not transcribed, see page image.]

Boston March 2d. 1775

To Mr. Wm. Black In James River Virginia --

Sir

Your Letter of the 24 December last to Mr.
Cushing and others by Capt Thompkins of the Schoo-
ner Dunmore in which was brought several valuable

Donations from our Friends in Virginia to the sufferers
in this Town by the Port bill was communicated to
the Committee appointed to receive such Donations,
and by their Direction I am to acquaint you that they
chearfully consented, at your request, that the Schooner
should be discharg'd at Salem, thinking themselves under
Obligation to promote her Dispatch more especially as
there was unexpected Delay in her loading, and
you have very generously declin'd receiving Demurrage.

We have repeatedly had abundant Evidence of the
firmness of our Brethren of Virginia in the American
Cause, and have reason to confide in them that they
will struggle hard for the Prize now contending for, --

I am desir'd by the Committee to acquaint you that
a ship has lately sail'd from this place bound to
James River in Virginia, the Masters Name is Crowel
Hatch -- When he was building his ship a
Proposal was made to him by some of the Committee,
to employ the Tradesmen of this town for which he
should receive a Recompence by a Discount of five
P Cent on their Several Bills. but he declin'd to accept
of the proposal. -- This your Sensiable would have
been the Means of his employing our sufferers
at their usual Rates, and at the same time as
cheap to him as if he had got his vessel built by
more ordinary workman from the County. There
is also another Circumstance which I must relate
to you -- Capt. Hatch propos'd that the Com-
mittee should employ our Smith in making
Anchors for his Vessel at a Price by which they
could get nothing but their Labor for their pains,

because he could purchase cast Anchors imported here for
the same Price - which was refus'd -- at this he was
very angry , and (perhaps in a gust of passion) declar'd
in the hearing of several persons of Credit that he
was use'd ill. Threatning repeatly that he would
stop all the Donations he could, and that no more
should come from the place where he was going to
meaning Virginia -- These Facts the Committee
Thought it necessary to communicate to you,
and to beg the favour of you to use your influence
that Capt. Hatch may not have it in his power
(if he should be dispos'd) to traduce the Committee
and injure the sufferers in this Town for whose re-
leife our friends in Virginia have so generously
contributed -- I am in the Name of the Commtee.
Sir
your oblig'd friend & Hum. Sert.
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