Lizard at Quebec the 10th Novemr 1775
Sir
Please to inform my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty of the Arrival of The Magdalen Schooner at Quebec this day, with dispatches for General Carleton, which was delivered to the Lieut. Governor, but am afraid they will share the same fate.of mine, that of being brought back again, the Communication being entirely cutt off by the Rebels, between this Place and Montreal where General Carleton is, but cannot learn any Certain intelligence concerning him; I have offerr'd my Service to the Lieut. Governor several times; ー This Evening we are inform'd there is an advanced Party of the Rebels on the South Shore & I fear the Town will be soon invested, their defence is weak and the Inhabitants not [to] be depended on ー I am made quit[e] a Stranger to everything that passes however I have at last Got the Lt Governor to appoint a Council of war tomorrow Morning to form some Plane to go on to protect the Place; ー If it should be necessary to stay here the Winter for the Protection of the Garrison I am greatly afraid I shall lose His Majestys Ship Lizard but I should not hesitate a Moment if I think it will be the Means of saveing the City
The Ships & Vessels of Force here are ー Lizard, Hunter, Magdalen and an Arm'd Vessell of Six Guns & Sixty Men appointed by the Governor ー The Weather is already set in severe and if some unforseen assistance do not speedily arrive I am afraid this City and Province will soon be in the Hands of the Rebels as there is no Militry force nor Provisions for carrying on a seige ー Their Lordships may depend on my Care & Attention and ready Service to co-operate with the Governor on all Occasions for the good of the Service and hope the steps I may be obliged to take will meet their approbation I am Sir [&c.]