Sir

The Amity's Providence Transport arrived the 28th of November with the Seamen raised in Newfoundland, and Lieut. Robertson delivered me your Letter of the 17th Ulto. I am much obliged to you for your particular Representation concerning the Want of Ordnance Stores at Halifax, which I shall not fail also to represent; but, excepting Match, I have had no Complaint of a deficiency of small Stores hitherto. In August last I acquainted the Lieut. General of the Ordnance, and my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, with the necessity for sending Ordnance Stores to Halifax for the use of the Fleet, leaving it to the Ordnance Board to proportion the Quantity to the number of Ships employed here; so that I am in Hopes a Supply of all kinds will soon arrive.

I have pleasure in confirming your Appointment of Mr Phillips, who I find is well qualified to be a Surgeon of the Hospital. I am told the Clergyman ought not to demand a Crown for burying a man, it is certainly an exorbitant Fee, and too much for the Surgeon to pay out of his allowance; I think half a Crown to be sufficient, and; considering Circumstances, as much as should be given, 'tis quite a novel Practice. The Clergyman formerly had a Chaplaincy in one of the King's Ships and desired no payment for burying the Seamen; And the present Gentleman is Chaplain of the Chatham. I desire you will continue your attention to the sick, and direct a Captain to visit and report to you weekly how the People are accomodated and treated, that should the present Establishment of the Commissioners of the sick and hurt be found inadequate to the present Season of Scarcity I may upon your representation procure it to be enlarged; and indeed I cannot help thinking that fifteen Pence a day at Halifax is too scanty an allowance for food, lodging, nursing, firing and other incidental Charges.

The Cerberus has been twice aground and part of her false keel is athwart. I have therefore ordered Captain Symons to proceed to Halifax to get his Ship careened and fit for sea again as soon as possible, but until I can send other Ships, or some arrive at Halifax, I mean the Somerset, Cerberus and Savage to stay with you for the Security of the Yard: however I think it not unlikely that some of the Ships from England may drop into Halifax, and that you will be ablt; to send the Somerset to England in a very short time. Mr Le Cras will in the mean time strike his distinguishing Pendant. I am &c