Annapolis the 26^th Decem^r 1759.
My Lords
In obedience to His Majesty's Instructions I do myself the
honour to inform Your Ldps that upon the Decease of William
Deacon Esq^r the late Collector of His Majesty's Customs in
the District of North Potowmack Peter Randolph Esq Sur-
veyor Gen^l of the South Part of the Continent of N. America
was pleased by Deputation under his hand & Seal bearing
Date the 13^th Inst to appoint Iohn Ridout Esq of this Province
to act as Collector of the ai^d District untill your Ldp's Pleas-
ure shall be farther signified, in Consequence whereof M^r
Ridout came before me the 24^th of this Month & in my Pres-
ence took the Oaths which are ordered to be administered on
such Occasions & also gave Bond to His Majesty in the usual
form for due Performance of his Office for which I believe he
is well qualified & therefore I shall be extreemly glad if it be
Your Lordship's Pleasure to approve of the Surveyor Gen-
eral's Nomination & to confirm M^r Ridout in the Office. With
the utmost Respect I am Y^r Ldps &c.

[Sharpe to the Commissioners of the Customs.]

Annapolis 26^th of Dec^r 1760.
Gentⁿ
In Obedience to His Majesty's Instructions I am now to
inform you that upon the Decease of William Deacon Esq
the late Collector of His Majesty's Customs in the District of
North Potowmack Peter Randolph Esq^r Surveyor Gen^l of the
Southern Part of the Continent of America was pleased by
Deputation under his hand bearing Date the 13^th Inst to
appoint John Ridout Esq^r of this Province to act for the pres-
ent as Collector of the Af^d District in Consequence whereof
M^r Ridout came before me the 24^th of this Month & producing
his Commission or Deputation did in my Presence take the