Sir,

I have been informed by Captain [Thomas] Bishop of the Lively that last night he observed forty Whale Boats, with three large Boats masted and in Appearance Fire Boats, lying near Moon Island. I think it my duty on this occasion to state a particular Account of the number of men belonging to his Majesty's Ship under my Command who are doing duty at Boston, which with these lent in armed Schooners, sick aboard and at the Hospital, our late loss at the Lighthouse, and short of Complement, reduces our numbers so much that I am obliged to beg that you will take into your serious consideration what the consequences may be, should the Rebels endeavour to burn the Boyne, (which I think is far from being improbable) considering she lies out of the way of any ready assistance from the rest of the Squadron, and the Rebels may be acquainted with her condition from the prisoners taken at the Lighthouse. I have &c.