Sir

At present I can only endeavour to protect Captain [Thomas] Courson's Ship and the Vessel with Rigging from Bristol, about which Your Excellency is pleased to inform me there are great disturbances at Falmouth; The Canceaux is the only Ship I can spare, the rest in this Neighbourhood being employed at places where, I trust your Excellency is satisfied, their presence is indispensably necessary; And although the Canceaux is under Orders to go to Halifax, to repair some damage We suspect She received laying aground at Piscatagua last January, I have notwithstanding ordered Captain [Andrew] Barkley to send her away with all possible Expedition, and to direct Lieutenant [Henry] Mowat to assist the New Ship till she cari go to Piscatagua, or Salem; at either of which Places She can fit and compleat under the Protection of the Kings Ship there. While the Canceaux remains at Falmouth I hope her presence will be some Check to the common disturbers, and I shall very readily station some other Vessel at that place whenever it is in my power. I am with great Respect, and Regard Sir [&c.]