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Sheet Harbour, 20th December, 1860

Dear Sir:
I am sorry to inform you that there are upwards of twenty Indians at present afflicted with the Small Pox - three of them have died within a short time - they all reside at Shag Harbour. Anything that you could send to them assistance in necessary sustenance and clothing I would be most happy in getting delivered to them. A Dr Pearson of Musquodoboit, called to see them and sent them Medicine by the last Mail. I sent you a letter by the Mail of last week. Any assistance that is within your power to give to the poor Indians or any suggestion for their benefit will be thankfully received and attended to for their benefit by me. I have first heard that the Indians are something better to-day. If you get this note on Saturday night the 22nd inst, you can send an answer by the Mail Carrier, Mr Timothy Archibald, who leaves Halifax on the next Monday morning early, Please to send it to his Coach Office before 6 o' clock on Monday morning, stamped, and I will receive it here on the following Tuesday evening.

I am, Dear Sir,
Yours sincerely,
Joseph Brownen

Capt Wm Chearnley,
Chief Commissioner for Indian affairs, [illegible].
Halifax N.S.