I beg leave to Report that agreeable to the directions of the Honorable The Council, I have agreed that the land at Billings’ port shall be held and enjoyed by Anthony Dougherty and Thomas Hewit, jointly on a lease for seven years, and they are to have the use of buildings and rails that are now there; they on their parts agree to pay the Taxes accruing within that period and to pay for this year the sum of two pounds five shillings, and for the next six years the annual rent of four pound ten. At the end of their lease to leave 1000 Cedar rails on the place more than are now there to take care of the Military Stores and public buildings that are there, that the same be preserved and to deliver it up at any time this Commonwealth may desire, it, they receiving such compensation for their losses thereby, as three judicious and indifferent men may agree to allow them, and each of them to give good security for the performance of their covenants.

There have also been proposals made to me by sundry persons, who wish to take Mud Island, but not being empowered to make any agreement therefor, I think it my duty to state them.

John Jones proposes good security to keep the banks up, he to receive £75, at present to repair them and to enjoy the profits thereof, afterwards for seven, eight or ten years, and to take care of the property of the state there intrusted to him, and to deliver it up at the end of his lease in good order.

John Rinker, who is recommended as an honest industrious man, by those in whose employ he hath been, proposes to take it for five years, he to enjoy all the profits thereof, and to receive £30 for the present year, and £10 every year afterwards, to deliver it up at the expireation of Sd term in good order; and Wm. Elijah Weed will become his security so far that the £30 now to be paid him shall all be applied to Repairing the banks; and

Lewis Rue also warmly recommended, proposes to take it for five or seven years, and to pay 100 dollars annual rent for the same, and to deliver it up at the expiration of the term, with the banks in good repair, to take care of the public stores there committed to his care. He to receive £100 the present year to repair the banks to be paid him as the same may be wanted therefor, to be accountable that the whole shall be applied to repair sd. Banks this year; and if they should not cost so much, to return the overplus. To be allowed the common use of the wharf on State Island to the Road for going and returning to Mud Island, and to give good freehold security, (John Taylor, viz.:) for the faithful performance of his part of The Covenant. I have the Honor to be, with high respect, your Excelly’s Obedient Servant,