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Sir, Yesterday a Corporal belonging to the 65th Regiment arrived here express from Cumberland and brought an Account addressed to Brigadier General [Eyre] Massey from Lieutenant Barron of the King's Regiment, lately wounded at Boston; and Obtained General [William] Howe's leave to pass the Winter with his Father who lives at that place.

He says that Cumberland and its Neighbourhood have formed themselves into a Committee, the same as the other Rebellious Meetings, in which they are joined by the Acadians, and the Majority of the Country people in general thereabout; for what they call the preservation of Liberty.

They have resolved to kill all the Bullocks, that remain in those parts, which have been purchased for the use of the Army and salt them for the Subsistence of the Rebels, by whom they say they are to be joined as soon as the Season breaks.

I have not the smallest doubt but the Rebels intend to make an Attempt upon this Province, the moment the Weather will permit, and I am no less confident that they have the hearts and good Wishes for Success, of by much the Major part of the People; under those Circumstances, I should presume it becomes a Serious consideration, how this Province is to be preserved; (with its present force:) I pronounce it impossible, barely five hundred, fit for Duty at this moment out of Nine hundred Men upon Paper, as I hear.

The Cerberus, alongside the Wharf for to be cleaned, the Orpheus's Masts I hope to get in the beginning of the Week, and shall lose no time in refitting her; and you may rest Assured that we will not be Surprised with the Cerberus dismantled, because, we will soon get her Guns in and put her in a State of defence, but what then! two Frigates commanded by all the Heights about this place.

The Yard has had a Scaffolding erected round the Walls for Men to stand upon to fire over, but where are they? I have a Lieutenant and thirty Marines which Captain [Edward] Le Cras left behind, by Order of Vice Admiral Graves; this is all I can reckon upon for I am sure Brigadier Massey can spare none, neither will the State of the Frigates admit of any Assistance of consequence.

I hope you will therefore excuse my repeating my Opinion, that Two, two Deck Ships are much wanted, for the defence of this place; And if the Nature of the Service is such that no Addition to our force can be spared; I mean to put the Stores at present in the Yard, into such Transports and Vessels as I can find, for their Security; which I hope you approve of.

I could wish also, Sir, that you will procure a Vessel, for the business of my Sending you the earliest Account of our State; if you have none, here is a small Schooner, belonging to Captain Maltby, which can be purchased for 100 pounds that will do, as I am told she sails well.

I must likewise pray you will Order, a list of the Ships you mean to have cleaned this Spring, that I may prepare for them.

You will find in a Letter to Admiral Graves a remark respecting Messrs Grant issuing broken Species, such as Pork, Flour, &ca and the rest are to be supplied out of the Fortitude Transport, by which you will perceive by the State of the said Ship herewith inclosed, that she has no more than Nine Puncheons of Beef left, and therefore I must request that you will Order a supply of Beef to this place, or cause the Ships to be Victualled before they leave you; for I cannot answer the Demand of the two Frigates at this place, when you may have commands for them. I am with the greatest Deference. Sir, [&c.]