Sir

From different Conversations I have had on the subject of navigating in the River St Lawrence at this time of the year, and on the probability of Vessels getting to Quebec, I have been led to take the Opinions of Captains [Broderick] Hartwell and [John] Macartney upon the likelihood of the Cerberus and Transports arriving at Quebec, supposing they were now ready to depart: these Gentlemen assure and authorize me to say, the Attempt is extremely dangerous and that to persevere after getting into the River will be fatal to the whole, and that they look upon the Scheme to be impracticable: the reasons they have given me are so forcible, that I am intirely of their Opinion, and think it not adviseable to attempt it. I am Sir &c