rnor-general and admiral, to request the admission of
Americans. I have given my answer to the admiral upon the
subject--how he will like it I know not; but I am determined to
suppress the admission of foreigners all in my power. I have told
the Customs that I will complain if they admit any foreigner to
an entry. An American arrives--sprung a leak, a mast, and what
not--makes a protest--gets admittance--sells his cargo for ready
money--goes to Martinico--buys molasses--and so round and round.
But I hate them all. The Loyalist cannot do it, consequently must
sell a little dearer."

His narrative to the admiral on the same subject is as follows:--

"_January 11 or 12, 1785_.

"Sir--I yesterday received your order of the 29th of December,
wherein you direct me, in execution of your first order, dated
the 12th of November, (which is, in fact, strictly requiring us
to put the Act of Navigation, upon which the wealth and safety of
Great Britain so much depends, in force,) to observe the
following directions, viz, to cause foreigners to anchor by his
Majesty's ship under my command, except in cases of immediate and
urgent distress, until her arrival and situation, in all
respects, shall be reported to his Majesty's governor, or his
representative, at any of the islands where I may fall in with
such foreign ships or vessels; and that if the governor, or his
representative, should give leave for admitting such vessels,
strictly charging me not to hinder them or interfere in their
subsequent proceedings.

"I ever have been, as in duty bound, always ready to co-operate
with his Majesty's governors, or their representatives, in doing
whatever has been for the benefit of Great Britain. No governor
will, I am sure, do such an illegal act as to countenance the
admission of foreigners into the ports of their islands, nor
_dare_ any officer of his Majesty's Customs enter such
foreigners, without they are in such distress that necessity
obliges them to unlade their cargoes; and then only to sell such
a part of it as will pay the costs. In distress, no individual
shall exceed me in acts of generosity; and, in judging of their
distress, no person can know better than sea officers, of which I
shall inform the governors, &c.,