Sir,

Yesterday I received two Letters from the Captains of His Majs. Ships Somerset and Boyne ー Captain [Broderick] Hartwell says the Night before last forty Whale Boats, and three large Boats with Masts assembled under Moon Island; He thinks the Rebels in them will attempt to burn some of the King's Ships, and that they are probably encouraged to such a proceeding from their knowledge how few Men are in them; The Captains, above mentioned, have stated the numbers deficient in their Ships which from debarkations at Boston, Deaths, Sickness, short of Complement, and Men employed in the Symmetry and Scows amount to upwards of One hundred and fifty in the Somerset, and near two hundred in the Boyne.

Things being in this Situation I am under the necessity of acquainting your Excellency, that I think the immediate Safety of His Majesty's Ships require all their People to be Onboard, as their Security and defence, in Case of Attacks, must be in their Boats and Musquetry.

It would give me great Satisfaction therefore if your Excellency could fall upon some other Methods to Man the Scows and Symmetry, or in lieu of the Men in these Vessels spare as many Marines to the Men of War.

I beg leave to assure your Excellency that the preservation of the King's Ships alone occasions this Representation, and that however you may determine I shall invariably continue to afford You every assistance in my Power for the good of the King's Service ー I have the Honor to be with great Respect Sir, [&c.]

P.S. I have sent the Caulkers to the Scows.