Halifax January 12th 1776.
No 59
My Lord I am just inform'd that the Somerset Capt: L Crass is under Sailing Orders for England, a Ship of Force which has been of Service in the preservation of this Place, That the Roebuck also is just ready to Sail for Virginia, and that there will remain only one Frigate the Cerberus for our Defence who is now on the Careen.
I cannot but suggest to your Lordship, that the preservation of the Navy Yard, & the Navigation of this Port, will greatly depend on a sufficient number of Ships posted here.
The Rebels have fitted out several Cruising Vessels and are continually on our Coast, intercepting the Transports bound from this Province with Refreshments for the Navy and Army, I am inform'd, that no less than three thousand Quarters of Beef, besides other Refreshments have been Shipped, and are Shipping within this month past, some of which have fallen into the hands of the Enemy, and it is past all doubt, that when they can have Intelligence of the Absence of the Ships of War, they design an Attempt on this place.
I beg leave also to remark that the principal Intention of the Rebels, from their whole proceedure, seems to be to cut off all Resource of supplies from his Majesty's Forces in America, for which reason they invested Canada, and will without all doubt Attempt this Province, the preservation of which will depend on the Force which may be sent here for its Defence, all; which Circumstances I have thought an Essential part of my duty to represent. I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect. My Lord [&c.]