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of ordering a vefsel to visit the Island during the winter months, say about the first of January, and first of March, (the weather permitting,) to releive the Establishment should any real difstrefs exist as there was last Winter, There is not now provifsions on the Island for as many people as was here last winter for any length of time (and there might be a great many more) Four months and a half, or three months without a visit is a long time, and it makes people complain and think hard of the Establishment to be kept here so long after being last away upon the Island, and I think there was a prospect of a very serious crisis approaching last winter, when the vefsel fortunately made here appearance.
But your Excellency has but to command, and I most cheerfully obey, whilst as in Duty Board I will ever pray; and am your Excellencies most Humble, Obedient, and Truly Devoted Servant;
Joseph Darby

To His Excellency
Sir John Harvey
Halifax, NS

NB, the Commissioners furnished me nothing towards building the Boats; my salary is about £ 125.0.0 per annum J. Darby