[Extract]

Sir  On the 25th of last December Lieut. [George] Dawson Commander of the Hope Schooner sailed from hence with Orders to look into Swansea in this province, and upon not finding there any illicit Traders, or Vessels with Arms and Ammunition contrary to Law, to proceed to Rhode Island, and put himself under the Command of Captain [Jams] Wallace of the Rose, who had my directions to employ the Hope in guarding one of the passages to the Town of Providence. With the Hope sailed a small Schooner Tender (belonging to Lieut. Dawson) who got safe to Newport. The Officer in her. Reports that he parted Company with the Hope among the Shoals in a very hard Snow Storm, which began the second day after they sailed from Boston; And that being thus separated he was obliged to run at all hazards in a very strong Gale and thick Snow; Fortunately the Tender drawing little Water got clear over, tho' frequently in imminent Danger among the Breakers and in very shoal Water a considerable time. I have until now declined mentioning my apprehensions for the fate of Lieut. Dawson, flattering myself the Hope might have providentially escaped; but not hearing the least account of her since she parted from her Tender, I conclude she is irrecoverably lost.

The hired Sloop that I sent to the assistance of the Canceaux's Tender Spinckes [Sphynx], driven on shore at Cape Anne as mentioned in my Letter of the 8th instant brought that Vessel round to Boston very much damaged in her Hull; her Rudder, Cables, Anchors and some other Stores lost, two of her Sails blown to pieces, and her rigging greatly damaged. I have had her repaired and new fitted, and she is now again ready for service.

The Northerly winds have blown lately at full and change and occasioned such low Spring Tides that we have not yet been able to get the Glasgow upon the Ways. In the mean time she is receiving such Repairs as in her present Condition can be given to her; I inclose a Copy of the Damage she has sustained, so far as the Carpenters have been able to examine her.

The Ships with me at Boston are beginning to be sickly, they have lately lost several men by deaths, and as desertions happen, nothwithstanding the utmost care is taken to prevent it, I have ordered the Scarborough at Piscataqua, and the Lively at Marblehead, to raise men for the Squadron; and have directed Captain [Thomas] Bishop of the Lively to press thirty Seamen, if that Number of Volunteers cannot be procured. Necessity obliges me, contrary to my inclination, to use this method to man t_he Kings Ships, and as it shall be done with all possible moderation, though at a place extremely violent in supporting and carrying into execution the Resolutions and Directions of the Continental Congress respecting the Non-importation Agreement, I trust their Lordships will not disapprove thereof.

Upon application to the General and myself from the Inhabitants of the Town of Marshfield and its Neighbourhood in this province for Assistance and protection, apprehending themselves to be in danger from the violent threatenings of a considerable Body of People ill affected to his Majesty's Government, the General sent them a Detachment from the Army, part of which at his Excellencys request went in the Diana Schooner, whom, after remaining eight days in North River, I have ordered to Philadelphia at the desire of the board of Customs to bring from thence a considerable Sum of Money belonging to His Majesty's Revenue.

I transmit a Copy of a Letter and its inclosure received from Captain [James] Wallace of his Majesty's Ship Rose;² the Scheme therein mentioned has not yet been attempted, probably they suspect that Captain Wallace is apprized of their intentions; but, let that be as it may, I have cautioned him to be upon his Guard against a set of Fanaticks, who will without scruple basely destroy the Kings People or Property whenever it can be effected with impunity or little Risque to themselves. With regard to the disposition of his Majesty's Squadron under my Command it remains nearly the same as when I wrote my last Letter dated the 15th of January I am &c.