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Custom House Halifax
?nd Dec'r 1815

Sir
I have to report for His Excellency the Lieu't Governor's Information that the Keeper of the Refugee Negroes at Melville Island has reported to me that on his Going into the Stores where the Blankets are kept at the Island this morning he missed nine Double Blankets which he is quite sure were there on Monday evening last being part of the remainder of a Bale which was opened on Monday last for the purpose of serving to the Negroes, on his examining the Door he thinks that the fastenings have been forced and says he has reason to suspect that it has been Done by some of the Soldiers who are stationed at the Island. the room occupied by the Soldiers is adjoining the room wherein the Blankets are kept.
I immediately gave Directions for removing the Blankets from that storeroom to another on the Island and to make strict examination if there has not been more taken than has already been ascertained.

I have the honour to be
sir
your obed't humb'le serv't
R Best
Dy Collr

To H H Cogswell Esq'r
etc etc etc