Sir  Consistent with my duty I have the honor to inform you of the result of the Council of War on the 11th instant it was resolved to lay an Embargo, on all Shipping to prevent the Inhabitants from leaving the Province & to detain the Seamen as they would be of particular Service in Our critical situation, to off[e]r a reward of 3 pounds for Seamen entering on board the Kings Ships & to [put] all things in the best state possible to protect the Garrison, the necessity of detaining the Kings Ships til a Council of War was held which was appointed to be on the 16th inst when it was resolved to defend the Garrison to the last. The Inhabitants declared it would be impossible to save the place if the Kings Ships went away as there was very few Regulars in the Garrison  it was therefore resolved to lay the Ships under my command up and land the Men to do duty on Shore, I therefore gave the necessary Orders for so doing with as great expedition as the time would admit upon a calculation of the Provisions laid before the Council We have not more than will hold out with difficulty to the middle of May therefore it will be absolutely necessary We should be relieved as soon as possible in the Spring, I have inclosed a private Signal in case this place should be in the hands of the Enemy which I think cannot be the case if We are not betrayed, but if it should be so I shall do all that lies in my power to destroy the Kings Ships to prevent their falling into the Rebels hands. I have with the Governors approbation dispatched the two Storeships to Boston as the Stores on board them are of no use in the Garrison but of the greatest consequence to the Enemy, And as the situation of Affairs will not permit me to be particular beg leave to refer you to Lieut Parry of the Elizabeth Storeship who can inform you of every thing you might wish to know. by a Deserter from the Rebels we learn they are in want of Ammunition & Clothing & that they had retreated into the Woods on hearing a Salley was intended from the Garrison. I have the pleasure to acquaint you that his Excellency Genl Carleton arrived here yesterday with about Sixty Men. I am &c

Lizard [Quebec] 20 Novr 1775