Sir

I have received your Letters dated Octr 15, 25 & 28 and November 6. 9, 15 with their Inclosures giving me full and satisfactory Accounts of your Proceedings with his Majesty's Ships at Halifax up to the time of Commodore Arbuthnot's Arrival, who acquaints me that on Account of the defenceless State of the Garrison he had kept the Somerset until he received my further Orders.

I am extremely sorry to acquaint you that by Accounts very lately received from Captain Hamilton of his Majesty's Ship Lizard at Quebec I find St Johns hath surrendered, that Montreal must likewise fall, that the Rebels had 1500 men at Point Levi, and that it was expected they would soon invest Quebec; so rapid a Progress could only be made with the assistance of the perfidious Canadians, who doubtless will be equally desirous to put the Rebels in possession of the Province of Nova Scotia: and it is more probable they will now endeavour to seize the Kings Arsenal there than wait till the Spring when a strong reinforcement may render such an Attempt impracticable.

The present unpromising State of the Kings Affairs in the Province of Canada, the notoriety of the Disaffection of a Number of the Inhabitants of Nova Scotia, and the Danger with which his Majs Yard and Stores are threatened, will therefore not allow me to let the Somerset proceed to England at present, but you may depend upon being relieved whenever it is in my power. I am &c