My Lord

I am honored with your Lordships letter by Lieutenant [Thomas] Pringle, whose opinion gives me great hopes that Quebec will hold out till succours arrive. Your Lordship willfind that everything will be done by Sir H: [Hugh] Pallisser the same as if I was on the spot, if I was not certain that would be the case, no consideration should have made me stir from town.

I have received a letter from Commissioner [Marriot] Arbuthnot containing an account of the state of things at Halifax, which I must beg the favour of you to lay before his Majesty for his information.

The loss of the ordnance storeship is a fatal event, ² and by what Mr Pringle tells me has been most probably owing to the treachery of the master, who went out under convoy, which he parted from in his passage; and tho' a frigate on the coast of America which he met at Sea took him under her protection, he parted from her allso & continued to be beating backwards & forwards near the shore 'till he was picked up by the enemy's whaleboats. I think it will be adviseable that these valuable ships should have a sea Lieutenant in them to keep the masters in order, and I write to Sir Hugh Pallisser by this conveyance to that purpose. Captain [John] Hamiltons behaviour will entitle him to every favour that can be shewn him, tho' I do not think he can have a greater reward than the satisfaction he will feel (if the Place is saved) that it will have been owing in great measure to his timely assistance & activity. I am [&c.]

Captain Hamilton is a very deserving man, & as I understand related to Ld Abercorn.