[Boston] 12 [November]
. . . the General2 expressing particular Fears for the Nancy Brig with Ordnance Stores, then the only missing ship of the forementioned Convoy, the Admiral directed the Canceaux, that had fallen down to Nantasket, to sail forthwith in Quest of her, and (as various Reports had been circulated of the Rebels being acquainted with the particulars of her Cargo and endeavouring to intercept her) to look particularly into Cape Anne Harbour, and, if she should be there and could not be cut out, to set her on Fire, but if not arrived to cruize for and conduct her to Boston. It happened that the Canceaux had not Water sufficient to go to Sea with, and the Weather was too bad at the time to take any aboard, so that she was unavoidably obliged to tarry until it became more moderate. Indeed the last Week had been so tempestuous that it was impossible for any Ship, all things considered, to keep her Station in the Bay.
1. Graves's Conduct, I, 165, BM.
2. Major General William Howe.