Chatham, Boston 28th January 1776.
Sir,
In pursuance of an Order from Vice Admiral Graves of Yesterday's Date, I have taken upon me the Command of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels which will remain in North America after his Departure, the Disposition of which, together with the State and Condition of those at, and near this place, I transmit to you herewith, and am to acquaint you, Sir, that by advice received last Night from Halifax, His Majesty's Ship Somerset sailed from that place for England the 15th and the Roebuck for Virginia the 14th Instant, and that Commissioner [Marriot] Arbuthnot writes to me in the following terms: "I presume as soon as the Commander in Chief can spare Forces that he will think of Sending two, Two Deck Ships to command the Heights all round the Land part of this Yard which command it very much." Their Lordships will without doubt see the impossibility of my complying with this Application under my present Circumstances.
I likewise transmit to you, Sir Copy of a Letter from Lieutenant [William] Hunter Commander of the Gaspee Armed Brig informing Admiral Graves of his being taken with thirteen of his Men by the Rebels at Saint Johns, and if I find that the Vessel has not fallen into their hands (which does not possitively appear by the Lieutenant's Letter) I shall send an Officer to Command her.
Admiral Graves informs me there is a Scarcity of Ordnance small Stores at Halifax for the use of the Fleet, particularly Three and Four Pound Shot for the small Cruizers, and as it is very inconvenient sending so far for all kind of Ordnance Stores, I shall be glad Their Lordships will please to recommend that a Supply in a Store Ship may be sent to this place or wherever the Commander in Chief may be.
I likewise transmit to you, Copy of a Letter from Commissioner Arbuthnot to Vice Admiral Graves relating to the State of Halifax; together with Captain Wallace's Additional Intelligence from Rhode Island; and must beg to refer you to my former Letters for an Account of all other Occurrencys and Intelligence necessary for Their Lordship's information. I am Sir [&c.]
