The Victuallers, which had arrived with Supplies of Provision for the Fleet, came without Wine or Spirits. The latter the Commissioners of the Victualling had contracted with Mr [Robert] Grant to deliver at Boston at two periods, for 5000 Men four months in October 1775, and for 6000 Men four months in January 1776, being no less a Quantity than 77,000 Gallons of Rum, the greater part if not all to be distilled in Boston. Without observing how improbable it was that this Contract could be fulfilled in the then State of that Town, or if it was, in the manner designed, the bad Effects the use of such Spirits would have on the health of the Seamen: It is only necessary to say the Want of Fuel prevented this destructive Scheme from taking Effect; although a very considerable part of the Melasses intended for the purpose, was taken by the Rebels. That the Squadron might not be distressed in this Article, the Admiral ordered a Transport to be dispatched to Antigua for a Cargo of Rum which the Correspondents there of the Contractors Agent could without Delay put on board.