Sir

Herewith you will receive a Letter for Rear Admiral Duff at Newfoundland, requesting, at his going away, to let me have what Seamen and Marines he can conveniently spare, the former I suppose may be had, or at least young healthy Fishermen, at the breaking up of the Season. I would have you send the Letter to the Admiral either by the Savage or Hinchinbrook, as you shall think best; and if the Hinchinbrook goes put the Savage's Guns into her and let that Sloop take the four Pounders, if you think them too heavy for the Schooner. The sooner one of them sails the better, and order the Officer to return to Halifax from whence you will either send him on to Boston or otherwise as shall then be found best for the Service.

I am informed the Congress have given an Appointment of Admiral to a Mr [Jeremiah] OBrien at Mechias, that this Admiral has increased his Squadron to six Sail including the Diligent, and that some Plan is certainly forming against Nova Scotia, but at what place he means to begin first is not yet known.

The Rebels have many friends in that Government, Persons of property and influence, and capable of doing great Mischief, but I hope the Governor will get a good body of loyal Militia on the Western Coast of his Government, and that with our Assistance the Rebels will be disappointed in their Views. But we must be attentive and vigilant. These and other Circumstances have determined me to let you winter at Halifax and to put the Savage and Cruizer under your Command, and I am satisfied you will give the utmost Dispatch to the Ships fitting out, and not suffer any of them to lie unnecessarily in Port. I am &c