In the absence of the Comy Genl (the expectation of whose arrival has prevented me writing you before) I am induced to request you will take into consideration the propriety of procuring a quantity of Shad on the north river by an exchange for Salt, of which latter article there is now a large Stock in that quarter belonging to the public, and may I believe be exchanged on tolerably reasonable terms; The information I recd lately from the Comr in Chief of the very scanty supply of beef then in the Magazine, and the little probability there was of obtaining an adequate Supply in future, at least for a considerable time, are strong motives for influencing me to give you this intelligence and for requesting as speedy an answer as possible on the Subject, as the season for that Fishery will soon be over. I have the honor to be &c.