Sir,

I have received your Letter August 4 by Mr. Frazer, who returns in the Spinckes with your Provisions. I would much rather have you cruize than lie at Anchor constantly, and purpose relieiving you, but the want of a Sloop to be at Newcastle has hitherto prevented it, and I am apprehensive that if the Harbour is left without a Kings Ship they will in her absence, though but for a Week, mount Cannon and hinder any Ships entering in future, which must be guarded against. I have only one more. objection to your cruizing, and that is the situation of the Governor, who, by the Harbour being left without a Man of War, may consider himself exposed to the Resentment or evil design of the Rebels and to be left destitute of Protection.

If these can be obviated I will order you to cruize immediately, but I will certainly send the first Sloop I have to relieve you. Mr. Frazer has paid my share of the Freight of 1000 Dollars.

I observe what you say about Newbury; that place and all others indeed require to be strictly attended to, but where are the Ships? I am &c.