Sir

On the 27th of last month I resigned the Command of all his Majesty's Ships and Vessels in and about Boston, and of those stationed to the Northward of it, to Rear Admiral Shuldham, the Canceaux armed Ship excepted, who is to proceed to England with the Preston: I have furnished Rear Admiral Shuldham with Copies of the General and particular Orders the Commanders of all the Ships and Vessels, stationed as abovementioned were then under, and have also given him every information in my Power (material for him to know) of the State of Affairs in this Country.

During the last three Days we have had little Winds and snow, which have prevented my getting farther than this Place, where I anchored this morning, but hope Tomorrow we shall get clear out. The Hope brig anchored last Night in Nantasket, and Leiutt [George] Dawson is this moment come on board to inform me that the day before Yesterday about 10 in the Morning he discovered a Rebel Schooner Privateer at Anchor off Plymouth; that upon his standing towards her she immediately got under way and endeavoured, but in Vain, to get into several Harbours on the Coast, that at two o'Clock the Privateer ran ashore, and Lieutt Dawson anchored as near to her as the Ground would admit and fired at her until seven in the Evening, when the Privateer getting off, and endeavouring to push into North River, sunk: That at day light next Morning Lieutt Dawson attempted to set her on Fire, but such Numbers of People were assembled and firing upon the Hope's Crew, and the Rebel Schooner being then almost full of Water, he thought it best to quit her, and not risque his People further, the Privateer being effectually disabled from ever cruizing again. ² They brought away one Swivel Gun and an old red Ensign. Lieutt Dawson also acquainted me that the Rebels had in the Night thrown up a Breast Work, and brought down several Pieces of Cannon, which they fired to defend the Wreck of the Vessel. I am &c