My Lord

It is with very sincere Satisfaction I am able to acquaint your Lordship, that the valuable & important Fisherys of Canso, & L'Isle Madame have been so well protected by His Maj^s. Ships which I stationd for that purpose, that not a single Vessel has been taken by the Rebel Privateers during the whole Season, (tho numbers of those Pirates appeard from Time to Time;) the Fishery for this Year is at an end, & the Ships all saild for their respective Destinations.

My burning the Enemies Magazines at Machias which they were collecting last Summer for the purpose of invading this Province,¹ seems to have had the good Effect for which that Enterprize was undertaken; & their having remaind very Quiet ever since, gives us strong Reasons to imagine they have laid aside that Intention: how far the unfortunate Defeat of Gen^l. Burgoyne & his Army may stimulate them to undertake fresh Outrages, must be decided by Time; I beg Permission however to assure your Lordship that in the Department committed to my Direction the most vigilant & unremitted Attention shall be continud for promoting his Majestys Service, & the Defence of this part of his Dominions.

The communication with both England & New York from hence, is so uncertain, that we are sometimes several months before any news is receivd from either; I mention this, as my Wishes flatter me with a probability that from your Lordships Goodness in answering my first Letter (near a twelvmonth ago) I may experience other Proofs of your Condescension to 3 or 4 others I have had the Honor of writing You since that Time; & which from the favorable news they contain, may possibly make me Happy with the Assurances of your Lordships approbation & Protection.

With the most profound Respect & the sincerest Attachment, I have the Honor to remain [&c.]