It being requisite at the present juncture to be as much prepared as possible for the reception of the Enemy in case they should attempt to Surprize his Majestys Yard at this Port; I have thought proper to order the assistance Schooner to Cruize at the Harbours Mouth, and upon discovering any Ships or Vessels, to make such Signals as I have appointed, Copy whereof you have herewith. You are therefore hereby required and directed upon any alarm given, to be in readiness to send on Shore from his Majestys Ship Roebuck under your command, One Commission officer, Two petty officers and fifty Seamen compleatly Arm'd with sufficient Quantity of Amunition to rendezvous at the Dock Yard without loss of time: And the remaining part of the Officers and Ships company on board you will be careful to have quartered to the Guns, that this Arrangement may not cause any confusion, And prevent you from annoying the Enemy.

And you are particularly to keep your Ship in the Night in as constant a State for Action as possible. Given under my hand at Halifax the 8th Novr 1775

By command of the Commodore  J White