Marcushook, Sept. 13th, 1775.
Sir: ー
I expect the Province boats will shortly be finished & their Station appointed. If it is to be above the Shiver de frees's, I apprehend they will be a partial defence, which ought not to be, as every person within the Limits of the Province is Intitled to a Provincial protection, the small as well as the great, which will not be the case with those below the station. With submission, every Frontier ought to be defended as long as possible, & not an Inch of ground given up that can be defended. If the Frontier is defended, of Course the City is also; but the City may be defended & the Frontier suffer. I am of opinion that the whole Fleet ought to be stationed at the Boundary of the Province, and then, if they are any Protection, every Person above them will Receive a Benefit. As to a Harbour, there is a large Island opposite, where they may be very safe, & I believe that provisions may be had cheaper. If they are stationed at the Fort, Chester & Marcushook may be Reduced to ashes before any Relief can be obtained, which would be a Considerable Loss, as all the Records & other publick papers of the County is their. I think it is matter worthy of Consideration, & should be obliged to you to mention it to the board. And as to the persons mentioned for officers here, I believe [John] Moulder & [David] Ford would Answer the end, the first for Capt., the other for Lieuf't; but if the bord should think otherways, I shall be passive, as I have no friend to serve. I shall give you as true an Acc'tt of them as I am able, which is that they are sober men ー men of Courage & activity, both bred to the water, & have both Commanded Shalloops. Ford is a very good seaman, & he tells me he has been in two sea actions. Moulder has not been to sea, I believe, but is very well acquainted with the management of a Vessel, a man of Conduct, & have both applyd for Births. I have nothing further to say Respecting them, and if persons may be had better Qualify'd for that service I will Readily agree, as it is the Public good that ought to be only attended to, and, as I observ'd before, I have not, nor desire to have, any friend to serve at the Publick ex pence. I remain Yours to serve,