of the Council of Safety, 1775-76. 501

[Council to A. Vanbebber.]

To Captⁿ Abraham Vanbebber.

June 18^th 1776
Sir. You have inclosed an Invoice and Bill of Lading for
240 Bbls Flour, 60 Bbls. Bread & 250 Keggs ditto in the
Schooner Three Sisters, Captain Joseph Handy master, which
we hope will reach you safe; you will dispose of the Cargo to
the best advantage for the benefit of the Province according
to your general instructions, and the letters heretofore sent
you; and be pleased to make our returns by the same vessel
in small arms, to which you may add a few field pieces if to be
had cheap, if these cannot be got, you are to send us Powder
and Blankets — we designed to send you also two other ves-
sels, the Brigs Fortune and Rogers, but these vessels have
been long detained by the men of war and Tenders, the Brig
Fortune had sailed, but was obliged to put back again, we
apprehend that we shall be obliged to unload those vessels
and send their cargoes to you in smaller vessels.
We have received your letters of 9^th & 22^d March, and have
also paid your Bill dated 24^th March to Captⁿ John Stout for
800 dollars, and also your draft to Captⁿ Copper on W. Lux
for £90 Cy. & have got in safe the goods you sent us by the
wicked Dick, Captⁿ Tibbett, also by the Pilot Boat Chatam,
and some powder we hear is arrived in N^o Carolina not yet
got to hand, we would caution you against sending any more

that way as yet— the coast there is too dangerous at present,
full of Men of War and Tenders — we shall be glad to hear
from you by every good opportunity.
P. S. The Brig Nancy Captⁿ Wise addressed to you, has

been unfortunately taken by a Tender in Annamesseck road,
in a Fog which prevented the Captⁿ from seeing her approach,
until she was so near, that he could not avoid the misfortune.
June 20^th 1776

C. S. C.

No. 29.

[Council to Handy.]
To Captain Joseph Handy.

Sir. You are to proceed from hence with all possible dis-
patch to the Island of St. Eustatia, with the Letters directed to
M^r Abraham Vanbebber who will give you directions, what
you are to do with your Cargoe — his advice yon are to follow
in every particular; should you have any goods put on board
by Captⁿ Vanbebber to bring back, as soon as you have done
your business, make the best of your way home, and avoid
speaking with vessells on the Coast or elsewhere; when you

No. 30.