Sir,

Deeming the safe Passage of the Grantham Packet¹ with the Originals of the Dispatches herewith enclosed, to be very doubtful in the present Circumstances of the War, I have judged it expedient to prepare a small fast-sailing Vessel² for the more secure Conveyance of these last to Halifax. The Senior Commander of the Ships at that Port³ is directed to send them off immediately in One of the Frigates under his Orders, for England. 

I have only to add, that the Enemy continue in the same Situation. The Position they have taken has enabled them to intercept about Nine or Ten, mostly small Trading Vessels bound to this Port; Together with the York Armed Sloop,⁴ and one of the Bomb-Tenders of the Squadron⁵ which by some unaccountable Mismanagement was run without the Hook in the Night of the 11^th:, and being too far distant to receive any timely Assistance, fell into the Enemy's Hands the next Morning. 

Supposing that Vice Admiral Byron must have been some Time since arrived at Halifax, He is meant to be apprized by this Opportunity, of my Intentions that he should repair directly with the Squadron under his Command, for this port. I am, with great consideration, Sir, [&c.] 

P.S. 

I understand that the Packet which sailed from England in May,⁶ has been taken by an Armed Brig mounting fourteen Guns, and carried into New London.