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/copy/ Halifax 20th April 1803

Sir

Not having received any intelligence of you, or from you since the return of The Earl of Moira in August last, and Anxious to know the actual state of the Island and of your party at this time; We now, Conformable to our promise to yourself and the people under your Command, dispatch Mr. Joseph Darby with his Shallop having Edward Hodgson on board as Pilot with this Letter, and if any Mariners have been so unfortunate as to be cast upon the Island in the Course of the Winter; or Spring - He has orders to bring them off with as much of their property as his vessel with Carry; But, in the first place you must take care to put onboard the Rigging of the Ship Union Capt. Hooper which The Earl of Moira left - as the account relating to that vessel cannot be closed until those articles are brought up and Sold; - If there are no Passengers or wreck'd property to send up, and you have secured, or can get hold of some of the Horses, in the course of two or three days. you will put them onboard with provender for the passage —

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