Sir
When Captain Tollemache2 sailed I gave him Orders to seize any Rice Ship he met, and send her to Boston; he Carried the same orders to Captain Thornborough of the Tamer; I have Now directed the Commander of the St Lawrence schooner to use every means in his power to procure a Cargo, agreeable to your Excellency's desire. I will place a Sloop to guard the Mystick when 'tis in My power, but your Excellency must be sensible I have not a sufficient number of small Vessels of War to answer every purpose of Government.
I thank your Excellency for the Intelligence of the Rebels design to intercept our Supplies, and seize our Dispatches from Europe. I am of opinion those from Government will in future come in Men of War, however I will endeavor to render the Navigation to Boston as secure as possible.
Before I had your Excellency's letter I had given Orders to Capt Vandeput, Not only to seize the Delegates and General Officers of the Rebels, but also the principal leaders of the Rebellion at New York.
The Schooner sails this day for St Augustine though her Service is much wanted here. Respecting the Rebels design upon Nova Scotia I can only repeat my assurances of making the best disposition in My power of the King's Ships to answer the variety of Services expected from them. I am with regard and esteem Sir [&c.]
