Sir,

I inclose a Copy of the Letter delivered to me the 16th inst by the Agent to the Contractors for supplying provisions to his Majesty's Ships at Boston, Rhode Island, Halifax and Quebec. The Contract has been some time without Beef and Peas, yesterday Rum could not be furnished, and, as the other Species of Provisions will also be very soon exhausted, our entire dependence for Supplies in future must be on Great Britain. I am in daily expectation of hearing the Contracts to the Southward are either incapable of providing for the Kings Ships, or are absolutely forbidden to do it by the Congress.

The Commissioners of the Victualling have advised me of four Victuallers being sent with Provisions for the Squadron. Three of them are arrived, vizt The Trident, Richmond and Fortitude; the Friendship is missing.

Great part of the Beef, Flower, Suet, Raisins and Brandy is already issued to the Squadron from the Trident. The Fortitude I have ordered to Halifax under Convoy of the Somerset. I am &c.