Sir

By the Sloop General Gage who left Quebec the 9th of November, and arrived the 2d instant at Night, I received a Letter from Captain [John] Hamilton of his Majs Ship Lizard, containing very disagreeable Intelligence, of which I think proper to send you a Copy, exactly as represented to me: as I have not the least doubt of the Rebels attempting to take Possession of the Province of Nova Scotia, and seizing and destroying Halifax Yard this Winter or very early in the Spring, the Somerset cannot go home this year, but must remain with the Roebuck for the protection of that Arsenal, until we can collect a greater Force there. It is extremely unfortunate that none of the Frigates are yet arrived at Boston, many of the Ships with me requiring to be careened and refitted, and some of them to be sent home; but such is our Situation that it is impossible at present to part with one of them, except the Boyne, who draws too much Water for this Harbour, and at this Season I cannot think of sending her to any other part of the Continent.

I have this moment received Letters from Captain Wallace at Rhode Island, where I find there is a Body of 500 Men voted to be kept in constant Pay, these upon an Alarm to be supported by Minute Men about the Country; the whole supposed to be about 1000 or 1500 Men, with some pieces of Cannon; their head Quarters about two Miles from the Town. The Inhabitants have tried every method to get these Troops removed from the Island, but have only obtained Orders for their not coming nearer the Town, and for the Towns People to supply the Kings Ships with every thing they want. Captain Wallace is satisfied 'tis not in their Power to remove the Troops, who, it appears from many circumstances wish us to destroy the Town. Hostilities therefore are suspended against the Town only, and the Market boats are permitted to pass, otherwise the Ships could not be supplied. Captain Wallace says there is certain Intelligence of a Frigate of 36 Guns and two of 20 being at Philadelphia and that they purpose attacking the Kings Ships at Rhode Island, then to go down and attack the Ships and Lord Dunmore at Virginia; I dont imagine they will attempt all this, but they appear extremely desirous of doing something by Sea, as well as by La{id. The News Papers herewith transmitted contain very essential Information. It is evident from their making it Felony for any one to correspond with the Kings Subjects and other Laws, that they are reducing themselves to Form, with incredible Dispatch, and meditate the most determined resistance. The Attack on Canada and the Perfidy of the Canadians, who I am credibly informed carried the Cannon of the Rebels down the Rapids, leave no room to doubt their having many Friends in that Province; it is said the Canadians were not a little influenced in the part they have taken by the Catholicks from Maryland.

The Tempestuous Weather we have lately had ruins all the Ships cruizing on the Coast at this Season. It is however necessary to keep Ships out, though at a great risque, in order to protect the Transports, Victualers, Storeships and other Vessels coming with Supplies: but, notwithstanding our utmost Endeavours to the contrary, I fear the Nancy Brig laden with Ordnance Stores is taken. It is reported she was carried into Cape Anne.

It is much to be lamented that a Cargo of such Consequence should be sent from England in a Vessel destitute of Arms even to protect her from a Row Boat. An Officer with a Party of Men on board would have saved the Vessel. I beg humbly to propose that all Ordnance Stores should come out in good Ships of Force well appointed, and constantly have an Officer on board; for the Ignorance and Obstinacy of Masters of Merchant Ships in disobeying Signals will ever prevent a Convoy keeping together, and too often they part by design, which I greatly fear has been the Case of this Brig, and that the Pilot (who I hear is an American) has either betrayed the Master or enticed him to go in with the promise of great Rewards.

Their Lordships well know the Situation of this Coast in the Winter, the prevailing Winds SE and NW, hard Gales each way, and with the former thick Weather, Rain, Snow, and Ice, without a friendly Port to push for except Boston, the Entrance of which is narrow and dangerous; In this Situation our Cruizers without Exception have been greatly harrassed to prevent being wrecked qr blown off the Coast. However their Lordships may be assured that whatever is possible shall be done.

The Cerberus's false Keel we find to be athwart, and as it cannot be remedied here I shall send her soon to Halifax.

I have dispatched the Charlotte with Orders to detain the Asia, and have directed Captain Parker, if both Ships cannot lie at New York this Winter, to send the Asia or go himself to Virginia, which shall be found best for the Service.

As the intended Reinforcements are not yet arrived and there is great Reason to imagine they will be blown off, I hope their Lordships will approve my not sending the Somerset and Asia to England this Fall.

The Hope Schooner upon a Survey being taken on her, is found to be rotten and unfit for any further Service; I have therefore taken the Brig Sea Nymph, one of those seized for the King,² and am now fitting her for an armed Brig, and shall give her to Lieutenant [George] Dawson as a Reward for his great Diligence, Activity and Zeal for the Kings Service. I intended particularly to recommend him to their Lordships if he had gone home, but although his private Affairs press his Return to England yet at this time he prefers Serving to every other consideration. I can assure their Lordships the preservation of the Glasgow last Winter was entirely owing to his determined and Officer-like Conduct. The Brig Sea Nymph (now called the Hope) was built at Philadelphia for a Pacquet, is a remarkable good going Vessel: I beg their Lordships to allow her fifty Men to her Complement, at present I shall establish her like other Brigs with 30, and lend her Supernumeraries until I hear their pleasure concerning her. I am &c