Preston Boston 25 May 1775
Sir
I have received your Letters of the 10, 18 & 19 of May with their Inclosures. It would have been impossible for you to have brought away the Masts, when three hundred men were asembled to prevent it; but, suppose with the loss of Men you had effected it, the Consequences would have been destruction to every other Mast marked for the King; and I really do not at present see the use of the Governors acquainting you with a proceeding of the Rebels detrimental to his Majesty's Interest, when he at the same time had no request to make concerning it, and did not think it adviseable for you to attempt the preventing the Masts being carried higher up the River.
I very much approve and commend Lieutenant [Henry] Mowat's intrepid and Officerlike Conduct at Falmouth; The Behaviour of Mr Hogg also deserves great Commendations; That Transaction ought to be a caution to all Officers not to trust themselves in the Hands of Rebels, who carry on War like no other People upon Earth.
It was quite right to despatch the Canceaux to Halifax, as you was not apprized of the Tartar being there expressly for the purpose of guarding that Arsenal. The St Lawrence and Halifax armed Schooners lately purchased are also at Halifax fitting out. The Account of the Hay being burnt was brought here by the Centurion Sloop I have great pleasure in expressing my entire Approbation of your Proceedings since you have been at Piscataqua and am satisfied you will on ever occasion exert yourself for the good of the Kings Service.
Herewith you will receive an Order to seize all Provisions &c. I am &c.