The Merlin and Senegal being ordered to winter in the Bay of Fundy for the greater Security of the Western Coast of Nova Scotia against Invasion from the Rebels, it became necessary to send them Provisions to last the Winter: The Admiral therefore ordered four Months Provisions for those Sloops to be put on board the James and William Transport, commanded by Lieut. Parrey, and directed her to be manned and armed from the Preston, in such manner that she might safely go to the Bay of Fundy and return without a Convoy. This done the James and William sailed for Annapolis [Royal], and carried Orders to Captain Burnaby to take in the Provisions.
The Admiral wrote to Captain Squire of the Otter at Virginia, acknowledged the Receipt of his Letters to the 12th September, acquainted him generally with the State of things that Rear Admiral Shuldham would in a short time be directed to take him under his Command, and that he should in the mean time be upon his Guard &c.
Mr Stephens having inclosed in his last Dispatches a Copy of their Lordships Orders to Captain Bellew of the Liverpool, whom they had sent to Virginia, the Admiral thought proper to write to him