Chatham in Halifax Harbour 8. June 1776
Sir
By a Letter from Captain [Francis] Banks of the Renown of the 24th past, he informs me that a few days before, he had sent his Boats with those of the Experiment Manned and Armed to destroy a small Rebel Privateer which had run ashore in one of the Channels leading to Boston; That in this attempt his First Lieutenant Mr [Josiah] Harris was killed, and Seven more Men of the party were either killed or Drowned by the Barge oversetting at the instant she had got alongside the Vessel, upon which the other Boats were obliged to retire, and by the account of a Deserter who arrived at Nantasket, the Captain and several of the Men belonging to the Privateer were killed in this Action, but I am sorry to inform you that we find she had a few days before taken the Hope Ordnance Vessel mentioned in my former Letter. I cannot upon this occasion omit repeating my earnest request, that Stores of such great importance, and upon which sq much depends, may be sent out in Ships of some considerable Force, and under the Command of a King's Officer: For as the generality of the Masters of Merchant Ships and persons of little property or consideration are easily to be Bribed, their Treachery may be productive of the most fatal consequences, which there is great reason to suspect was the cause of this valuable Ship the (Hope) being taken.
The Bowman Transport, one of the Flora's Convoy arrived here last night by which Ship I have information, that a few days after their departure from the River Clyde, they met with a Gale of Wind which occasioned a seperation of the Fleet. On approaching this Coast the Bowman at different times, fell in with several others of their Convoy, which parted Company at the time she did, until Seven of them were collected together, and upon St George's Bank they spoke the Merlin Sloop, by which Ship they were informed of the Evacuation of Boston, and had directions to proceed to thisplace and there are now four of them off the Harbour. I have adopted proper measures for these Ships being intercepted as they come upon this Coast, that instead of going to Boston they may be conducted to the place where the Army may be. I am Sir [&c.]