Sir

I have the Honor of your Excellency's Letters August 27th and 28th and of the 4th & 11th instant with their Inclosures. I am particularly obliged to your Excellency for pointing out so clearly the Scarcity likely to happen in the Province of Nova Scotia by our drawing from thence too large Supplies of Cattle and other Stock. Many of the Inhabitants of Boston have fitted out Vessels and entreated permission to go to Nova Scotia to procure fresh Provisions; hitherto they have not been refused, and it would have the Appearance of Cruelty to deny them, but as they have all been wanting in that respect due to your Excellency, and, under pretence of furnishing the Navy, have perhaps obtained Indulgences they were otherwise not intitled to, I beg leave to assure you that altho' the Tenor of Passes hath been generally to procure fresh Stock for the Army and Navy, they have been granted under a Supposition that Nova Scotia was benefited by the Trade, and with a View to supply our Market, and not for the particular Use of the Fleet. Whatever we may wish to have in future for the Fleet I will make particular Applications for to your Excellency, and I suppose the General will do the same for the Army; And with respect to all those who now have my pass, your Excellency will be the best Judge how far they can be indulged, but no part is for the Fleet.

Your Excellency may depend that a proper force shall be stationed in the Bay of Fundy to protect the Coast and Inhabitants from any Insults or Depredations of the Rebels. I am &c