Sir,

I have received your Letter May 15 informing me that the Gaspee sailed the latter End of April and that the Diligents Tender (the Tatamagouch) will sail the first opportunity to Lieutt [John] Knight; also acquainting me with the Precautions you have taken for the Security of the King's Yard, which I very much approve, and desire all possible attention may be paid to its Safety. It becomes every day more and more necessary to exert the utmost Vigilance to prevent not only secret but open Attempts to destroy it. The burning of Hay in your Neighbourhood gives me a very unfavourable Idea of the Loyalty of the Inhabitants, and as you cannot but imagine every Stratagem will be tried to destroy the only Naval Magazine we have on the Continent of America, I must repeat my Orders for your taking every Step you think proper for its Security, always having in Remembrance that you are Kept at Halifax for that purpose and must be answerable for its Safety; therefore as things are situated I am sure you do not expect a Compliance with your Request to be absent: Upon a Service of such consequence and at a time like this, every Soul must attend strictly to their Duty. If the Tartar is not provided with the allowed Number of Boats I have no Objection to her being furnished from the Yard, but my regard to the whole will not admit of a partial Indulgence to the detriment of the Service in General. The Ships are all in want of Boats and particularly Cutters, and the exactest distribution must be observed.

I have directed the Builder to make any Repairs or Alterations you desire in the Twelve Oared Cutter.

I am &c