Sir

I take the Opportunity of a Schooner going to Quebec to acknowledge the Receipt of your Excellency's Letter of the 6th of September. General Howe has communicated to me his desire forthwith to send some Regiments to Quebec, and I had appointed the Cerberus to convoy the Transports thither, who would have sailed perhaps within a Week, but the Captains of the Squadron acquainted with the River St Lawrence are positive in declaring the Attempt is exceedingly dangerous, and that there is not the least probability of the Man of War and Transports getting to Quebec this Fall. General Howe is therefore endeavouring to get small Vessels in which I shall chearfully and readily assist.

Mr. [Robert] Duff at Newfoundland communicated to me your Application to him for Men. I am concerned it is not in either of our Powers to assist at a time that the King's Service under your Excellency's Care appears to require every possible Aid from all his Majesty's Servants

I hope the Hunter Sloop, small as she is, will arrive in time and prove of some Service to you this Winter, and that the Lizard with the Transport from England will get up without any Accident. I am &c