Sir

A small Sloop from Bermuda anchored here the 28, and I received by the hands of a trusty Negroe a Letter from Governor [George] Bruere. I enclose a Copy of it²

You may perceive that the Rebels of the Continent are indefatigable in spreading their poison, and that even Bermudas and the Bahama Islands abound with men under their influence, who though liable to be crushed with a single Blow are yet daring enough to be guilty of Robbery and Rebellion. Governor Bruere does not mention it, but I am informed 40 pieces of Cannon are in Store at Bermuda besides a number of fine Ordnance in the Forts round the Island, and that there is reason to apprehend the Rebels will endeavour to carry them off. I have therefore acquainted Governor Bruere that I will send a Ship for the preservation of the Kings Stores, and the Support of his Majesty's Government there, the moment it is in my power, which I shall accordingly do.

The Halifax anchored at Nantasket the first inst and Lieut. Grame arrived from Virginia in the Mercury, with Captain Macartney under an Arrest in consequence of a Complaint against him by Lord Dunmore Governor of Virginia, of which Complaint I acquainted you in my Letter August 17th and transmitted Copies of Lord Dunmore's accusation, of my Answer, and of Captain George Montagu's Answer upon my requiring him to inform me of such Facts relative to Captain Macartney's misconduct as had come to his knowledge. I now inclose a Copy of another Letter to me from Lord Dunmore, two from Captain Macartney and my Answers; these contain the whole of this Business that I am acquainted with: It is at present impossible for his Lordship to come here to prosecute his Charge. The accusation is so controvertible that if a Court Martial was ordered to sit, in all likelihood from want of evidence no satisfactory Judgement could be given, and above all the Service at this Juncture not admitting of long trials, I have granted Captain Macartney's request to send him to England, there to be disposed of as their Lordships may think best. My Letter to Lord Dunmore on receiving his Lordship's accusation against Captain Macartney fully shewed the opinion I entertained of that Gentleman's abilities as an Officer; farther in justice to him I desire to represent that the Account of Proceedings on his passage to Virginia, transmitted to me before he knew of his suspension, met my entire approbation. I shall continue Lieutenant Grame acting by my order in the Mercury, and not discharge Captain Macartney until I am honoured with their Lordships Commands.

His Majesty's Sloop Raven arrived the 4th inst after a long and tedious passage from Plymouth; By Captain [John] Stanhope I received their Lordships Orders and your Letters agreeable to the inclosed List.

Finding that forbearing to punish the people of the four New England Governments, for their many rebellious and pyratical Acts, only encouraged them to go greater lengths, I determined to observe a different Conduct, and if possible destroy some of their Towns and Shipping. To this end I sent General Gage a Letter dated Sepr 1st a Copy of which and of his Answer is inclosed: many difficulties occurred in the procuring and equipping the Symmetry Transport and Spitfire Sloop with proper Stores for the Expedition, and, the weak State of the Garrison hardly allowing any Draughts to be made, General Gage could spare but One hundred Men; commanded by Captain Lieut. Forster of Marines with a subaltern Officer. The Command of the whole consisting of the Vessels as pr Margin I have given to Lieut. [Henry] Mowat of the Canceaux armed Ship, solely from his being well acquainted with the Pilotage; of the Coast, where his operations are to be carried on. I have ordered him to take the Advantage of Wind and Weather and enter any of the Harbours to the Eastward of Boston; and if possible first to go to Cape Anne where the Rebels thought proper to fire upon the Falcon and where they took several of her Officers and Crew, and sent them prisoners in the Country; Lieut. Mowats Orders are to burn and lay waste the Towns and destroy the Shipping in Harbours when they cannot with Ease be taken away. This flying Squadron lay ready to depart when the Raven arrived. Their Lordships Orders by her coinciding exactly with what was then doing gave me great pleasure; The few little advantages the Rebels have had over us have given them confidence, and there is no doubt of his Majesty's Ships being fired upon and opposed in every place where the Rebels can do it with impunity or with a Shadow of success. I have ordered Mr Mowat to protect the person and property of his Majesty's loyal Subjects wherever they can be distinguished; And he sailed Yesterday the 8th instant from Nantasket.

Canceaux armed Ship
Hallifax armed Schr
Symmetry armed Transpt
Spitfire armed Sloop

On the 5th instant the Nautilus returned with three Brigs, two of them Captain Collins had taken,³ and according to his Orders carried them to Rhode Island, from whence Captain [James] Wallace sent them to Boston; I inclose a Copy of Captain Wallace's Letter.

The Fowey sailed Yesterday for Halifax. The Nautilus is to cruize a few days in the Bay, where a Rebel Schooner last Saturday chaced and fired four Shot at one of the Transports coming in from Newfoundland.

General Gage being ordered to England takes his passage in the Pallas Transport. I have appointed the Mercury to convoy his Excellency over St George's Bank and I expect he will sail Tomorrow.

I have ordered the Raven to lie in Nantasket, and the Scarborough to come up to be caulked, which she is in great Want of.

Inclosed is the State and Condition and Disposition of his Majesty's Squadron under my Command and a State of the Hospital. I am Sir &c