Post Office New Bern, 15th Aug., 1780.
Sir:
I received the inclosed and Papers for your Excellency since you left us. The Flag of Truce, Capt. Neale, is arrived, in care of some Virginia Officer and Mr. Clem Nash. Also a Flag from Providence, with Capt. McConnel and about 30 prisoners. 15 or thereabout New England men have entered on board the Privateer Nash, and very Lucky for Stanley, as work Hands. My Compliments, which Mrs. Cogdell desires to join to Mrs. Nash, you’ll please to present.
Much depends on the wisdom of the Assembly and much is expected of them in their exertions to save their sinking Country. Specie Current is now 100 to 150 prices, on the Species 1775, in all articles imported and otherwise. Corn £100 per Bbl, Meal £20 per bushel, Beef £48 per pound, Mutton £4 pounds per lb, and every thing in proportion. A String of Fish which used to cost 12d. is now 1920d., or 20 Dollars. What a horrible prospect this exhibits. The Country people will not take more for fowls. Excuse my troubling you with this.