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Sable Island 30th March 1853

Dear Sir

Your letter dated 28th I received by Daring last evening. I was afraid that we were entirely forgotten. I have had a gloomy winter. The Marie Anne crew have been 105 days on the Island and during that time I have had a great deal of very unpleasant duty to perform and have witnessed a great amount of suffering.

Respecting the Ottomans cargo I think the Daring should be sent immediately back for a load and be kept constantly running until it is all removed or else some other vessel be sent for it.

The cattle at St Marys should be sent on in May and the Daring should fetch them on deck. The horse should come immediately and the Daring should bring him also.

The Store frame is up it is 50 + 28 feet and 12 feet post. We have made 40 [M?] shingles and sawed lumber sufficient to cover it during the winter and I am in want of nails &c &c to go on with it. If no heavy wrecks happen here we can finish it without further help. Brady the carpenter wants to leave the Island and I am willing to let him go if you will send a man to take his place and I want a blacksmith by first opportunity [underlined: a young man]