To Thomas de Ugarte y Lianes (unpublished)
Philada Dec. 16. 1786
Honourable Sir,

The Council having received Information, that the Ship under your Command lies in a dangerous Situation, expos’d to be much injur’d if not destroy’d by the Violence of the driving Ice, have thought that not only the Duty of Hospitality, towards Strangers in our Port, but the just Regard due from us to the excellency Prince your Sovereign and the good Friend of these States, required of us to afford every Assistance in our Power for her Preservation. And apprehending that possibly your People accustom’d to warmer Climates, may not be so well acquainted with the Force and mischievous Effects of Ice, and the Methods of guarding against it, We send to you two of the Wardens of the Port, Men of Experience and Knowledge in such Matters, on whose Advice you may rely, and who have Authority to obtain such Aid from the Inhabitants, if any should be wanted, as may enable them to put her in a Position of the greatest possible Safety. Wishing you every kind of Prosperity, I have the honour to be, Honble Sir Your most obedient and most humble Servant

B F.

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