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In the margin it says:
Orgnl: with Paketten
Dupl: with Captain Tikjøb.
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Most gracious King!
I have the honor to inform that Your Majesty's corvette arrived here on 16th November. All well - except for a man who fell overboard and drowned. On 15th November I most humbly sent a report that the English Governors refused to hand over foreign slaves who were deserted to their islands; and that I, as a consequence of President Porter on Tortola refusing to hand over 2 Danish slaves who had deserted there, had seen it as my duty, in my own name to order Governor Søbøtker to avoid - if possible - that English slaves who might desert to his Government, were not allowed ashore, and that those who came ashore should not be handed over. As, however, it is not desirable that the often badly disposed English slaves are free on St. Thomas, I wrote to Governor Søbøtker privately to use the means in his possession to dispose of such poor individuals, maybe to Puertorico or Hayti.
A couple of days ago Governor Søbøtker informed me that 2 Dutch slaves were handed over from Anguilla, so it could seem that the English Governors have started to give in, therefore I have ordered Governor Søbøtker until further notice not to put my order about reprisals into force. However, it has been reported to President Porter, and he seems to have accepted it's fairness and perhaps he will work on getting the English order cancelled, so that we do not ruin each other by encouraging each other's slaves to desertion.
I indulge in the hope that Your Majesty will be gracious and sanction my procedure in this matter. News that haven't yet been confirmed tell us that Boyer has died.
Cumana is said to have been taken by Bermudez.
I have sent Your Majesty's brig to the mainland to protect the Danish subjects and properties there.
In November we have had very good rain.
Just as this report is ready to be sent I receive news that Bermudez on 19th November has been beaten off from Cumana, after being master of the harbor for 11 days. A colonel Pablo Periz is said to have beaten him.
Your Majesty's funds here at present represent approximately 500.000 rd, but of those we had to pay Doctor Morgan's claim, and in a couple of months the cost of the administration for the plantation Work and Rest which we have been forced to purchase at Your Majesty's expense.
These two expenses would approximately amount to 170 - 180.000 rd. Some of it, however, will be recovered arriving spring.
When at that time it will seem probable that we can do without the brig
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