Sir

It being of very great importance that every possible Effort should be made to secure a passage to Quebec for such part of the Troops as you have been directed by my Letter of the 21st Instant to proceed with to that Place; I have it in command from my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty to suggest to you such Information as they have received respecting the practicability of effecting this Service.

As the Season is far advanced it is to be suspected that the Transports will on the Entrance of the River St Lawrence meet with strong North West Winds, But you must not be discouraged by this circumstance, as the Ships may notwithstanding work up to the Island of Bic, or possibly to Hare Island, at both which places there is good and safe anchorage, and in the neighbourhood of which the Troops may be landed, and march by Land through a settled Country to Quebec, if the Transports cannot get higher up; in which case you must send an Express to General Carlton immediately upon your arrival at either of those Islands, requesting that he would send a proper Officer down to conduct the Troops, and also such Sloops, Schooners & small Craft as can be procured to carry up the Baggage and Stores.

The Knowledge of these Circumstances is so very material, and the information came from such respectable Authority, that it has been judged proper to send a Messenger on purpose with this Dispatch and a Dispatch of the like import from the Earl of Dartmouth to the Commander in Chief of the Troops under orders for Embarkation, in hopes that he willbe able to get to Corke before your Departure. I have only to add that their Lordships, having the firmest reliance on your zeal for His Majesty's Service, make no doubt of your exerting yourself to the utmost in the execution of this most important part of it and have consequently the greatest confidence in your success. I am &c.