Halifax Janry 15th ー 1776. ー
(Copy)
Sir, In obedience to Orders, the Somerset and Roebuck sailed the 14th Instant, the former for England, the latter for a private Station, by which the Sea Force remaining at this Port for the defence of the Yard are the Cerberus, and Savage Sloop, the former dismantled alongside the Wharfe, in order to repair the Damage she has sustained by running twice on different Rocks which I shall use every possible means to Effect altho' the inclemency of the Season is such at present as makes it doubtful which if it continues will lay me under the disagreeable necessity of replaceing her Ballast and Guns in order to make the best defence our feeble state will permit if the Rebels should pay us a Visit.
I am sorry to say that the Garrison is not only very Weak, not more than 500. Many just recruited from the Newfoundland Fishery, but is very Sickly, nor have we a single Work erected, nor can be untill Spring, which I hope will not be too late, I am therefore under the necessity to say unless such Force is sent, by sending Two Deck Ships, to command the heights about the Yard, as well as the labour of the Crews to assist in Barracading the Yard, for no other have I, or shall have, either to make it defencible, or to defend it in case of an Attack; because the whole of the Troops as I understand are to be employ'd on the Heights, without; in which case I am sure I cannot let them into the Yard, if they are defeated, because I most certainly will prevent by every means the Gate from being forced.
This is a true state of this place which I think my Duty to lay before you for your Consideration. I am Sir &ca