Sir

By the General Gage Sloop who left Quebec the 9th of November and arrived here last Night, I received a Letter from Captain Hamilton of his Majesty's Ship Lizard, who got up the 5th of November with the Jacob, and Elizabeth Brigs, laden with Arms, Ammunition, Cloathing &c. for the King's Army under General Carleton. Capt. Hamilton writes me the disagreeable News that the Garrison of St John's surrendered themselves Prisoners of War the 2d of November; that Montreal is invested and must soon surrender, it being a place of no Strength and in Want of Provisions; that the Rebels are in possession of Point Levi, and General Carleton is on board the Gaspee coming to Quebec. It is more than ever necessary to keep Possession of and prevent the Rebels fortifying, the Sea Ports, and their getting Supplies of Provisions of any Sort to prolong the War. Inclosed you have an Order to detain the Asia. New York must at all Events be kept for the King. The short time the Ice is in the River you must bestow the Ships where you think best, and the moment you can place them before the Town let it be done.

Intelligence this moment is received that the Rebels have a Frigate of 36 Guns, a Ship of 20. and others nearly ready at Philadelphia, and that they design to attack the Kings Ships at Virginia;² therefore if the Asia and Phoenix cannot safely winter at New York, go yourself to Virginia or send Captain Vandeput, which ever you think best for the Kings Service: but if both can remain at [New] York, I would have them there by all means. I expect the Liverpool and one or two Sloops are at Virginia. The Raven will call there in her way to Georgia. I need not urge the necessity for the most vigorous Efforts, for the Kings Service; we must by all means preserve our Ground untill the Spring, when we may depend upon considerable Reinforcements. I am Sir &c

Captain Parker Phoenix at New York.