Sir,

I have before me your Letter of the 19th instant. It is really out of my Power to enlarge the Tartars Complement, and equally so at present to send you another Ship, tho' I am well aware of the necessity of carefully providing for the Security of Halifax Yard. From the active State of Rebellion in which [this] and the neighboring Provinces are, I have so many urgent Occasions for Ships and Sloops that if the present number on the Station was doubled, here is full employment for the whole. My entrusting a place of such great importance to your care at this Juncture is certainly the best proof I can give of my reliance on your Vigilance and Zeal for his Majesty's Service, and I have not the least doubt but from your Example your Officers and Men will acquit themselves like brave and good Subjects upon the most trying occasions; therefore, till a greater force is sent out, you must do the best you can for the preservation and Defence of the Yard ー It has given me Satisfaction to find by the Commanders of the Schooners how much Assistance you have given them. I am &c