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Sir The Province having been repeatedly invaded in the Course of less than three Months, by a number of Rebels in Arms, who carried off a Sloop, some Bateaus and other Stores belonging to His Majesty these Enemies by recent intelligence are considerably Augmented, and daily making such preparations as indicate the most hostile intentions against the peace and Tranquility of this Province; and as it becomes necessary to collect all the Force than [that] can be got together, to resist and repel all Enemies to the Crown, I think it will tend very much to His Majesty's Service, and am in consequence to require, you will, with as much dispatch as practicable proceed with the Armed Brigantine Gaspe under your Command to Montreal, or as high up the River, as you can with safety to your Vessel, and there Cooperate with His Majesty's Land Forces in the Defence of the Province.
You will please to consult with Brigadier General [Richard] Prescott, about all such matters, as may tend to the end proposed, and take under your Care and Management three Armed Vessels taken up for the River Senrice, being the Schooners Polly, Isabella and La Providence.
In full confidence that you will chearfully embrace this Opportunity of contributing as much as depends on you towards the Public Service, You may be Assured of the regard with which I am Sir [&c.]
