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Halifax Nova Scotia
19th September 1828

Gentlemen

I beg leave to acquaint you, for the information of these interested, that about the end of May last, the Ship Melrose Andrew Cristie Master, having on board a Cargo of Cotton, on her passage from New Orleans to Liverpool, struck on the Southwest Bar of Sable Island, and almost immediately went to pieces - The Master & Crews however were Saved. ---

Between 3 04 400 Bales of the Cotton drifted long the shores of the Island and by the exertions of the people and boats of the Government establishment those assisted by the Crew of the Ship, were pick'd up and rolld [rolled] out of the surf, and which were hired and sent from hence at different times to bring it up here ---

The whole have since been sold at public auction conformable to a Law of the Province, the account sales of which I enclose together with an amount of the proceeds, after deducting the hire of vessels and the Salvage award to the Island establishment ---

I likewise enclose you the following Bills of Exchange, which with the present