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          Windsor 4 Decr 1778

Mr David Eason

          By this Conveyance I enclose to Capt John
McDonald Commanding his Majestys Troops at Annapolis
Royal, Brigadier General McLeans letter dated the 29 ultimo [November]
directing that whatever Provisions shall be required by me
for the Use of the Indians between the first Instant [December] and the
15th April next be delivered not exceeding three hundred Rations
the General Informs me there are not more Provisions in Store
than will Serve the Garrison for the Winter. I am to request the
utmost frugality be observed in the Disposal of these Provisions
and that no more of them be distributed than are absolutely
wanted
          The Aged, the Infirm, the Widow, the Orphan
are particular Objects and an attention paid to them will
naturally Strike the Generality of Indians, with Reverance,
and affection for the British Government, but I would have
you avoid encouraging the Robust in Idleness by a dependance
on the Kings bounty, nor indeed will the Number of Rations
admit of it.
          The Method of your application for Provissions
will be by Letter to the Commanding Officer of Annapolis Royal
Specifying the names of the Indians you require to be Victualled
together with the Number of Rations you wish to have Served
to them and be pleased to keep a Register of such applications to