Halifax Yard 7 November 1775.
[Extract]
Permit me Sir to tell you that so soon as I was enabled to inform myself of the State of this important Place I found it in all respects so exceeding Weak having at this moment as the Governor assures me no more than 126 Men fit for Duty that under those circumstances, and a Report prevailing that a large body of Rebels have marched up the Country but their destination is unknown, I have thought fit to detain Commodore Le Cras and the Roebuck until your further commands shall be known and have sent Captain Hammonds Dispatches by the Fowey in hopes to receive by the first opportunity your approbation of my proceedings because when I left England their Lordships were exceeding uneasy least the Rebels should make an Attempt to surprize this Place, and also because I do not apprehend it can be of great consequence, if you have no further Commands for the Somerset whether she sails in November or a Month after.
1. PRO, Colonial Office, 5/122, 68b. Arbuthnot's duties were described in detail in his appointment as Commissioner of the Navy at Halifax. See Volume 1, 1341-1343.