[Extract]

Sir  I have the satisfaction to acquaint you with the Arrival of Lieut [George] Dawson in his Majesty's Schooner Hope from Bermudas whither he was obliged to put in, after being blown off this Coast the latter end of December, which I mentioned in my last Letter to you dated the 20th of February, and my fears thereupon: Lieutenant Dawson informs me that going into Bermudas unacquainted, and no Pilot appearing, the Schooner struck upon a Rock about four Leagues S.S.E. of the West end of the Island and received some damage, but with the help of Boats, which soon came to his assistance, they got into Safety, and after repairing the Schooner Lieut. Dawson sailed from Bermudas the 18th of February and arrived here the 28th following. I have now ordered him to Rhode Island to bring to Boston some Marine Cloathing, Camp and Tent Equipage, left on board the Rose by his Majesty's Ship Hind.

Last Saturday Sen Night the 19th February Lieutenant [William] Hunter in the Gaspee returned suddenly from his Station to Boston and acquainted me that on the 13th lying at Falmouth in Casco Bay, four Seamen belonging to the Brig took the Boat from alongside and rowed towards the Shore, and that upon the Master and himself firing at the Boat to make them return, having in vain called to them for that purpose and received very abusive answers, one Man was wounded, the other three rowed the Boat ashore and deserted at Falmouth where the wounded man died . . . I have ordered the Gaspee to return to Falmouth and endeavour to prevail on the select men and the Inhabitants to give up the three Deserters, and, after cruizing in the Neighbourhood 'till April, to proceed to Halifax, there clean and refit; and afterwards attend the Fisheries in the Bay of Chaleur and Gaspee, and on the Coast of Nova Scotia &ca

I inclose the Copy of a Letter from Lieut. [Joseph] Nunn² who came to Boston on the 28th of February in a hired Sloop with twenty of the Officers and people belonging to the late Halifax Schooner under his Command, whose Vessel is totally lost near Machias Harbour, near the entrance of the Bay of Fundy.

I also enclose a Copy of a Letter to me from Lieutenant Governor [Cadwallader] Colden, to whom I sent in answer that as I had for some time past intended to send one of tbe large Ships to New Yark, as early in the Spring as possible, I should now hasten the departure of the Asia, whose Captain would cooperate with him in all things for the good of his Majesty's Service. The Merchants of New York seeing so considerable a Naval Force before the City will I hope be induced to import as usual, notwithstanding any illegal Combinations to oppose it, as they may be sure of their Trade having, upon their Application for that purpose, all the assistance and protection that the Kings Ships can afford;And as the Lieutenant Governor is of opinion the Assembly at New York are inclined to take the Lead in endeavouring to effect a Reconciliation between Great Britain and her Colonies, I shall be extremely happy if the Asia, by assisting the Civil Government and protecting the property of well disposed Merchants, contributes in any respect to so desirable an Event . . .

The Rose and Swan in the different passages to Rhode Island have lately seized several Smugglers but we have not yet been so fortunate as to take any Arms or Ammunition.

The Glasgow is at last got upon the Ways and will be repaired with all possible Dispatch; about the end of next Month I hope she will be fit for Service.

I have heard lately from all his Majesty's Ships and Vessels under my Command to the Southward of Boston. The Kingsfisher is removed from Turtle Bay, where I ordered her to remain during the Severity of the Winter, and by desire of Lieut. Governor Colden lies in the Stream near New York. As Captain [James] Montagu acquaints me there is no likelihood of dangerous Ise, being in the River this Season, I have sent him directions to remain there as long as he shall find it to be necessary for the Kings service. I am &c