No 54

My Lord Since my last to your Lordship No 53, I have had certain Information, of two Armd Schooners having been at Cape Sables, and landed several Parties among the Inhabitants there, and have seiz'd and carried off several of the Militia Officers, whom I had lately Commission'd, to raise two Companies of light Infantry for the defence of that part of the Country, at the same time acquainted the Inhabitants, that if they wou'd remain quiet, and not oppose them, they shoud not be molested; These proceedings has excited so much terror among these people, that they have transmitted a Memorial requesting in effect, that they may be absolv'd from their Duty as Subjects, by having Liberty to remain Neuter or remove as your Lordship will see by their Memorial herewith Inclos'd.

I did thereupon lay the Memorial before the Council, who were unanimously of Opinion, that the request and proposition, coud not be receiv'd or Admitted, a Neutrality being utterly absurd and inconsistant with the Duty of Subjects, who are always bound by the Laws to take Arms in defence of Government, and oppose and Repel all hostile attempts and Invasions; That the Duty they owe as Subjects cannot be dispens'd with, and that they must be obedient to the Laws of the Province: In the mean time every possible measure to be taken for their Aid and Assistance.

In Consequence of this I have wrote both to the Admiral and General, informing them of the whole Circumstances, requesting Aid and Assistance, apprehending it will be of Dangerous Consequence to leave this Coast Expos'd to the depredations of these Pirates.

I am inform'd five Arm'd Vessels have been fitted out, to cruise on these Coasts, and am apprehensive, the whole supply of the Fleet and Army from this Province, will be interrupted, and all our little Trade ruin'd, unless a timely remedy be pursued: I am also inforrn'd, that they are building and fitting out many Arm's Vessels in their several Ports to be ready early in the Spring.

By Persons from New England, I am also inform'd, That the Congress, had allotted out five thousand Men for the Attack of this Province; That the Small pox at Halifax, and the Frigates in the Bay of Fundy had hitherto prevented them, but it was their determin'd intent to have this Province in their possession, or to destroy it, that it shoud be of no use either to the Army or Navy.

I have been also inform'd that these Cruisers had it in special Charge, that if they coud find an opperturuty by all means to seize me, and others who have been pointed out to them. The arrival of the Troops, and the Ships since Station'd here, I dare say has defeated their measure, and prevented their landing any where near Halifax.

I have transmitted to your Lordship, a State of the King's Forces, within this Province by which you will perceive that the whole number amounts to Nine hundred & eighty, but by reason of Sickness, New Recruits, and others absent, there remains no more than four hundred and forty six Men fit for duty.

I have the honor to be with the greatest Respect My Lord [&c.]