Sir

As I think his Majesty's Service will be benefited by the Ships and Vessels employed in the Bay of Fundy being under the immediate direction of the Commodore at Halifax I inclose the necessary Orders for that purpose.

Every appearance of Accomodation between Great Britain and her Colonies is vanished; the latter have made their Election in War, which we are now carrying on against each other in the four New England Governments, with great Bitterness. I have not the least Doubt that most of the Southern Colonies will soon follow the Steps of their Brethren to the Northward, the same spirit of Rebellion diffusing itself through the whole Continent. What then becomes our Duty but with all possible Dispatch and Spirit to carry his Majesty's Commands into Execution by making the most vigorous Efforts to punish this ungrateful people and lay Waste their Country on the Sea Coast? I inclose an extract of a Letter from Governor [Francis] Legge for your information. As Passamaquody is not far from the Bay of Fundy, direct any Sloop or small Vessel you may have to call there occasionally, and get all possible intelligence of the Rebels intentions and proceedings.

The Somerset being compleated and the forwardness of the Hinchinbrook give me great Pleasure.

There is no Marine Cloathing here except Shirts and Stockings by the Adventure, of which you have no doubt reserved some at Halifax and can be supplied from thence.

The 1500 Men from Newbury Port, who were expected to be gone towards Halifax, went up Kennibeck River, and tis generally believed are for Quebec, from whence we have lately received very unfavourable Accounts.

I cannot close this Letter without assuring you of my entire Approbation of your Conduct with respect to the Ships and in the Yard, where I hope the very necessary regulations and order you have introduced will be punctually observed; I shall continue to rely upon your Zeal for the Service and your Discretion to pursue every measure for the publick Good, so far as your Authority and Influence may extend, in which you may depend upon my Countenance and Support; having nothing more at heart than to serve his Majesty faithfully myself, and to discourage and punish every attempt to the contrary in all other persons. I am &c