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Sir,  By Letters I have lately received from Governor [Patrick] Tonyon, he acquaints me, that he has great Apprehensions for the Safety of St Augustine, and therefore begs any Succur that can be given him, I have some Time ago Ordered three Companies of the 16th Regiment to him, and am told by General [James] Grant that a Small Vessel will secure the Harbour, a large Ship not being able to pass the Bar, and I hope you will be able to give this Assistance. The Rebels have Seized one Ship with Ammunition bound to St Augustine, and Governor Tonyon is under apprehensions of others expected there, both on the Account of Government and of the Merchants.²

I have certain Advices by two Deserters, that about 1500 Men have Marched from Cambridge which are said to be gone to Canada, and by way of Newberry, but by that Route they may be intended for Nova Scotia;³ I should therefore think it exceedingly necessary some small Vessel should be immediately sent to Watch their motions, and to use every Effort to Surprise, some of the Rebel Small Vessels, which would be by much the best Method to get Intelligence, which if the Officer should think certain, he might give Notice to the Ships of War in the Bay of Funday, and Intelligence may be sent by Land from Annapolis [Royal] to Halifax ー

I should hope that the Naval Force you have in that Province would with timely Notice be able to defeat any Attempts the Rebels can make at Sea for a Descent there  I am [&c.]