The Halifax came in from Cat Island and brought a Letter from Captain [George] Montagu of the Fowey, acquainting the Admiral that he cannot put A stop to the Insolence of the Privateers without more force, referring the Admiral to Lieutt Quarme for information respecting the Situation of Cat Island, the Fowey &c, and also acquainting the Admiral he had moved from Cat Island to Bakers Island for Water, which fell short at the former place, and that he was sent away from Halifax, and fitted there in such a Hurry that the Fowey was not in a Condition for any immediate Service.

An Account now came from Captain [William C.] Burnaby, ² in a Letter dated the 17th of January, that by Advices received from the Rebels it was said they have an absolute Intention of attacking Boston early in the Spring. Letters from Commissioner [Marriot] Arbuthnot acknowledged the Receipt of the Admirals Orders and Dispatches by the Cerberus and General Gage, and informed that the Cerberus was alongside the Wharfe dismantled, and the Roebuck sailed for Virginia. From Captain [William] Duddingstone of the Senegal there was Advice that he had arrived at Liverpool the 26th of December, but could get no Voluntiers, and that since the Senegals Arrival in that Harbour they had prayed for the King, a Custom which had for a long time before been omitted. All which Intelligence the Vice Admiral transmitted forthwith to Mr Shuldham for his better Guidance.