Nova Scotia Halifax 4th September 1775
Sir.
I have the honor of transmitting the Copy of a letter relating an Account of Hostilities and depredations committed on St Johns River in this Province, the truth of which was confirm'd before me in Council, by the Evidence of one of the Owners of a Brigantine which was taken, and one of the Navigators, who were both on Board at that time, there is also the Copy of a letter, wrote by certain persons, said to belong to Machias, to the Magestrates on that River, from whence, and from all Accounts, it appears that these depredations, & those which are threatned, are to Terrify and prevent the people of this Province, from providing or sending any supplies to the King's Forces at Boston, & that untill there is a sufficient Force, to Awe these Rebels & to Countenance the people well dispos'd, all supplies will be prevented and Cutt off, & the Province from actual Rebels and disaffected persons will be expos'd to imminent danger; as there can be little or no dependance on the greater part of the Militia who are too well dispos'd to the Cause of their Countrymen.
It was therefore resolv'd in Council, that Application shoud be made to the Admiral, that he woud Order two Sloops of War to the Bay of Fundy for the protection of those parts of this Province. I have the Honor to be &c.