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Sir,  I have informed your Excellency of the fitting out a Vessel from Machias to cruise for the Vessels employed in carrying Cattle, Hay & other supplies for his Majesty's Fleets and Army by Depositions taken before his Majesty's Council, it appears they have Designs upon this Province, that the Provincial Congress have empowered Persons residing there to act against his Majesty, That they have been making inquiry about the Strength of the Fort of Annapolis, & at St Johns River, & I beg leave to inform you that the Inhabitants of both places & their Environs are such as have removed from New England, & that little or no Dependence can be had on the Militia there; that these Fortresses are without any Cannon for Defence & without Troops & much is to [be] fear'd if they shou'd Attempt anv Descent there that no Troops can be spard from hence as your Excellency will see by the Return being now obliged to order thirty of the Militia on Guard every night for the protection of the Magazines here, & to patrole to the Navy Yard.

I also hear that a large Vessel of 130 Tons is fitting out at Pemiquid for the same purpose, & it is to be feared that the Navigation from the Bay of Fundy will be interrupted.

I am therefore of Opinion that it will become extreme Necessary to Station at least a Sloop of War with one or two Armed Schooners for the Protection of the Provision Vessels, and coast of that part of the Province, to cruise between Grand Passage & Passamaquoddy, by which means their intentions may be Defeated, and their Vessels taken.

The Magistrates at Annapolis have applied for some Cannon to mount on the Fort & Ammunition for the Inhabitants which I have Consented to send them by the first safe Conveyance, and as Captain [Henry] Mowatt was Bound to Boston I applied both to him & Captain [Edward] Meadows, but was informed by them that on Account of Captain Mowatts particular Orders from the Admiral my request could not be complied with.

It would be I apprehend for his Majesty's Service when Necessity requires it that Conditional Orders were given, that in such Cases the Armed Vessels might Assist in case of unforseen Accidents, & which may happen & require a sudden remedy before it be possible to send advice to you The Militia here will chearfully Continue to do duty were the private men allow'd for their Duty, I apprehend that 12d per man for Privates & non Commission Officers for the Day on which they do duty only would be a sufficient inducement for their Continuance in Duty till they can be otherwise relieved for otherwise they cannot be obliged by the Laws here to perform in that Service.

I have received your Excellency's favour of the 14th Instant & shall take care that the new Recruits be carefully Trained, and as soon as they are fitted to do duty take care they mount with the other Troops.

I am sorry to find some of his Majesty's old Servants joined with the Rebels, which I could never have conceived to have happened. I am with great Respect [&c.]