Sir

The Packet arrived last Evening but too late to give me an Opportunity of forwarding your Letters sooner. It was my Intention to have sent the Kings Fisher to Boston with the Dispatches that have been brought by the Mail; but having (since I had the Honor of seeing you) received Information that some Vessels are on the Coast, laden with Arms and Ammunition; and as I have it not in my Power to send any other Vessel either to Cruize for them, or prevent their landing their Cargoes; I think it absolutely Necessary to employ Capt. [James] Montague on so material a service. I shall therefore fit out the Schooner that has been sent here by Genl [Thomas] Gage, and arm her in such a Manner as will secure Her from all Insults. She will be ready by the Time that I can have your Answer to this, and will sail immediately after, unless You should have Occasion to detain her any while Longer. By the News the Packet brings we may very shortly expect four Regiments of seventy Men a Company with a General officer at New York, such a respectable Force will I hope change the Face of affairs.

I have the Honor to be with great Respect Sir [&c.]