Sir I have had the Honour to receive your Excellency's Letter October 1. The Provisions on board the Victualler at Halifax are for the use of the Fleet alone, and had not my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty been extremely provident in timely sending Supplies the Kings Ships during the Winter would have been greatly distressed for Victuals; Your Excellency will therefore perceive I cannot consent to any other appropriation of the Provisions upon which we place our sole Dependance for Support; and that the Transports being sent to Halifax was purely for the Convenience of supplying the Ships there.

The King will undoubtedly be pleased to find such an attention to the Security of his Naval Yard and Stores at Halifax; I am satisfied your Excellency will readily contribute your utmost to a Service of such importance to his Majs Fleet; but I fear it is too late to begin even temporary Works, and that the principal Dependance must be on the Kings Ships in Halifax Harbour.

I shall continue a good Force in the Bay of Fundy, and Ships shall winter at Annapolis [Royal] and if possible at Windsor: By which means the Fears of the well disposed will I hope be removed, and the turbulent and disaffected deterred from attempting what must eventually involve them in destruction. There is I fear too much Communication between the Rebels of the Eastern parts of New England and the People of Nova Scotia. It would be of singular use to discover a few of the Principals concerned in aiding, abetting or advising the rebellious Proceedings now carrying on in New England Governments. It is high time to make Examples, in which your Excellency may always depend upon my utmost Assistance.

What you observe about the Men of War touching at Passamaquody is very proper and shall be attended to.

I acknowledge the Receipt of your Excellency's Dispatches to Lord Dartmouth in one Packet, which shall be transmitted by the first Opportunity. I am &c.