There is one circumstance very distressing, that of our money’s being discredited, to all intents and purposes, by the great number of traders who come here in my absence, each outbidding the other, giving prices unknown in this country by five hundred per cent., by which the people conceived it to be of no value, and both French and Spaniards refused to take a farthing of it.  Provision is three times the price it was two months past, and to be got by no other means than my own bonds, goods, or force.  Several merchants are now advancing considerable sums of their own property, rather than the service should suffer, by which I am sensible they must lose greatly, unless some method is taken to raise the credit of our coin, or a fund be sent to Orleans, for the payment of the expenses of this place, which should at once reduce the price of every species of provision; money being of little service to them, unless it would pass at the ports they trade at.  I mentioned to you, my drawing some bills on Mr. Pollock in New Orleans, as I had no money with me.  He would accept the bills, but had not money to pay them off, though the sums were trifling; so that we have little credit to expect from that quarter.  I shall take every step I possibly can, for laying up a sufficient quantity of provisions, and hope you will immediately send me an express with your instructions.  Public expenses in this country have hitherto been very low, and may still continue so, if a correspondence is fixed at New Orleans for payment of expenses in this country, or gold and silver sent.  I am glad to hear of Colonel Todd’s appointment.  I think government has taken the only step they could have done, to make this country flourish, and be of service to them.  No other regulation would have suited the people.  The last account I had of Colonel Rogers, was his being in New Orleans, with six of his men.  The rest he left at the Spanish Ozack, above the Natches.  I shall immediately send him some provisions, as I learn he is in great want.  I doubt he will not be able to get his goods up the river except in Spanish bottoms.  One regiment would be able to clear the Mississippi, and to do great damage to the British interest in Florida, and by properly conducting themselves might perhaps gain the affection of the people, so as to raise a sufficient force to give a shock to Pensacola.  Our alliance with France has entirely devoted this people to our interest.  I have sent several copies of the articles to Detroit, and do not doubt but they will produce the desired effect.  Your instructions, I shall pay implicit regard to, and hope to conduct myself in such a manner as to do honor to my country.

I am, with the greatest respect,

your humble servant,

G. R. Clarke.

P. S. I understand there is a considerable quantity of cannon ball at Pittsburg.  We are much in want of four and six pound ball.  I hope you will immediately order some down.