Sir

Having just now receiv'd information that the Rebels of New England are preparing to Invade this Province, & that for that purpose, they have made a Road from St Johns River enlong the Coast as far as the River Shepody toward the Head of the Bay of Fundy, and that they propose bringing Cannon in Boats along Shore, for the purpose of attacking the Fort at Cumberland.

I therefore think it necessary for His Majestys Service to desire that you do without loss of time, collect all the naval Force you can, & proceed directly to St Johns River, & there receive what Intelligence you'can as to any such designs, or defeat any preparation's within your reach that you may find making; that from thence you proceed up to the River Shepody keeping close in Shore, [(] which I am inform'd may be done with safety) in order to take up any of their Vessels which may be employ'd on this Occasion. When you shall have arriv'd at Shepody, you will then do what you shall think necessary for the King's Service, and so proceed to Cumberland, and co-operate with Colonel Gorham, unless in your way you shall have had an oppertunity of defeating any preparations or attemps for an invasion. I am Sir. &c