Sir

I have had the pleasure to receive your Letter Novr 7. notifying to me your Arrival in his Majs Ship Roebuck at Halifax in Quality of Resident Commissioner there, and also with a Commission appointing you Commander in Chief of his Majs Ships in Halifax Harbour in the Absence of a Flag or Senior Officer, I beg leave most sincerely to congratulate you on these Appointments and to express my happiness in having such an able and experienced Officer at a Place and upon a Service of so much importance to Great Britain. Convinced of your earnest desire to promote the Good of the King's Service, I cannot but approve of your sending the Fowey to convoy the Transport with Naval Stores to Boston, but I am concerned to find you think it necessary to detain the Somerset whose Arrival will be anxiously expected by the Admiralty, in consequence of my having acquainted them she was to sail upon your Arrival.

As to the large Body of Rebels marched up the Country, they are well known to be gone to Canada:² And I believe it is equally certain that unless assisted by Canadians and Indians the Rebels cannot invade Nova Scotia with any Prospect of Success until April next; however it is certainly right to be on your Guard against a most deceitful and enterprizing Enemy. I beg to offer you any Services in my Power at Boston, and to assure you that I am with much Esteem and Regard. Sir [&c.]