Whereas from the evil disposition towards his Majestys Government unfortunately spread throughout the Country, and from the more dangerous and wicked designs of those in actual Rebellion, there is every reason to apprehend his Majesty's Yard and Naval and Ordnance Stores at Halifax to be in great danger of being destroyed, And whereas I have since the middle of last April kept his Majesty's Ship Tartar at Halifax entirely for its Security; you are hereby required and directed upon your arrival to take such measures for the preservation of the said Arsenal from Accident of Fire, or from any Attempts of the Rebels, as you shall think proper, and your situation and force will allow you to use. And whereas I am informed that the Ordnance Stores as well for the Army as the Navy are deposited entirely out of the Protection of the Kings Ships, and that a very small Force may remove them without hindrance from the Men of War. You are to report to me as soon as possible your opinion thereon, and upon the manner his Majesty's Yard is defended or secured at those places where the Kings Ships cannot act; and whether the removal of all or part of the Ordnance Stores to George's Island will not put them out of Danger from the Rebels. Reporting to me in general your opinion concerning the Security of his Majesty's Yard and the Stores in both Departments, and what means are proper to be used to secure the whole from open or secret Attempts of the Enemy by Sea or Land.

Given under my Hand on Board his Majts Ship Preston at Boston the 10 August 1775