Your two letters one under the 2d.1 & the [other] under the fourth instant2 came to hand this evening by the post. To the directions they contain a strict attention will be paid.

In my last3 I mentioned to you that empty old rum hogs. when the certificates could be obtained with them were in demand. Since, I think, I have discovered the use to be made of them. A few days pass four hogs. as west India rum were entered here from portland. On examination it is found to be new England rum put into old west india Hogs. Perhaps there may be a little west India rum with the new England. We have taken possession of the rum as New England rum without proper certificates and shall have it labeled. I think we shall have little difficulty to prove the fraud.