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Sable Island 17th August 1853

Dear Sir

The Daring arrived this morning and is just now leaving for Halifax having on board 32 barrels and 30 half barrels of flour. We have landed the whole of the Guides Cargo, but the molasses is in such large casks that it is almost impossible for us to put it in and out of our boats twice without damaging them seriously. Therefore I would advise that it be sold where it lies [^on the South side of the Island in a place of safety from the sea] and if you can purchase it at 20/- per cask and send me 40 ^empty casks of 40 to 60 gallons I will draw it off and do the best I can for the interest of the establishment but I have too much work on hand to do that for the benefit of underwriters. Some of the casks are nearly empty and some are nearly full. There is 38 of them.

I shall keep a large supply of provisions from the cargo. Our potatoes are gone.

I have given the crew of the Guide an order for £12.5.0 for services here, and the Cap.n has given them orders to the amount of £19.6.7 Sterling for wages due them from the ship. The Guide materials are all landed in good order. I do not think the Daring can take all next trip.

In haste Your Ob.t Servant
M.D. McKenna

[address at lower left]
Hon Hugh Bell
Chairman Board of Works
Halifax