Halifax, April 3
The first division of the Fleet and Transports from Boston ( containing chiefly the Inhabitants,&c.) arrived here yesterday, after a passage of only six days, and the second division (containing the Troops) arrived this day, after a passage of only four days. They have little or no provisions, nor can this place supply them with any; neither are there conveniences on shore for this unexpected body of people. It is fortunate for-the King's Troops that the Provincials did not attack this place last summer, which they certainly intended; but (;-eneral [Jedediah) Preble, who was to have commanded the expedition, and had actually embarked on thousand five hundred New England Troops in a large number of Marblehead Schooners for that purpose, hearing that the small-pox was very prevalent here at that time, the scheme was laid aside. The New England people are incredibly afraid of the small~pox.1
1. A highly exaggerated account of a proposed invasion which Washi~gton refused t~ approve, There was no embhlfation of any troops for Nova Scotia, '