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Sir I cannot pass over this Opportunity without acquainting You that Tumult and Outrage hath been at length carried to such Excess at Portsmouth, as to make it necessary for me to retire to Fort William and Mary, which is entirely in a defenceless State, without Accomodation, and altogether insecure, in case the prevailing Madness of the People should follow me hither, so that although the King's Service requires my remaining at the Fort as long as possible, yet I have no Prospect of Safety but in the hope of retreating On board the Scarborough.

Although Captain Barkley shews the utmost readiness to do every Service and really affords all the Assistance in his power, Yet I think it my duty to mention to You that it would be not only very useful, but that it is exceedingly necessary for his Majesty's Service if the State of the Fleet under your Command would admit of it, to have another Man of War stationed in this Harbour.

Captain Barkley communicated to me your desire of having the small Cannon in this Fort, being only nine four Pounders, and agreeably thereto I ordered them to be put Onboard the Canceaux for Halifax, to be restored again to the Fart if his Majesty shall be pleased to require it.