100 | From Jeffery Amherst

    New York, 15th: April 1762.__

    Sir,

    As from Several Papers that have fallen into my hands, I have undoubted proofs of the Enemy being Supplied with Provisions from almost Every port on the Continent of North America; I must Represent to You the Necessity of putting an Effectual Stop to Such Infamous practices; particularly at a time when there is the greatest Demand for Provisions to Supply the King’s Troops; And as I am well Assured that there are large Quantitys in Store in the Several Provinces, kept up by merchants on purpose for Exportation; and that very large Supplies will be wanted for the Troops that are to Assemble on this Continent for Immediate Service, I should Desire an Embargo on the Shipping, were I not averse to Such a measure, which might be attended with Several Inconveniences; and as I think the preventing any Provisions from being Exported may Answer the Same End; I must therefore Request You will be pleased to take Such Steps as You think best for Effectually prohibiting any kind of Provisions from being shipped at any of the Ports within Your Province, Except for the above mentioned Services; & for obliging the merchants to Deliver what they have in their Stores to Persons that shall be Appointed to purchase the same for the Crown, (the Contractors or any other Agents having no Concern therewith) that the King’s Service may be Carried on, & may not Suffer for want of that most Essential Article.__

    I am, with great Regard, Sir, Your most Obedient Humble Servant.

    Jeff: Amherst.

    His Excellency Governor Bernard.

    PS: I Have Employed Mr. Hancock to purchase the Provisions for the Crown in Your Province.

    J: A:_

    LS, RC BP, 9: 267-268.