My Lord

I have the honour to acquaint your Lordship that I arrived here the 25^th. Ins^t. and found the Brilliant and Commerce Arm'd ships in the Service of the Ordnance¹ who brought over the Company of Artillery, and some Recruits belonging to different Regiments, who, for want of Barracks are encamped on the Barrens. The two Transports that Sailed from Cork with me, (and from whom I parted in a hard gale of Wind) are also arrived.

I am sorry to inform your Lordship that the Privateers are doing much mischief in the out Harbours, and that I greatly fear before the Summer is over most of the out Ports will be destroyed.

The few ships I have shall be constantly employed for their protection, but the Privateers being very small, will make it difficult to get at them.

The Ships of my Squadron have been very unfortunate. The Spy Sloop is lost off Cape Race, The Proteus totally disabled, and the Postillion not fit to go to Sea;² By these accidents the squadron is so reduced as to prevent my complying with my orders so effectually as I could wish;

Captain Pringle³ has made known to me the directions of the Board of Ordnance, to take the Serviceable Guns from Placentia, and send them to Quebec. But, as I find the Different parts of the Island daily attacked by the small Privateers. I have given him my order to let the Guns remain and have ordered Lieutenant Colonel Hay to send the Company of Highland Emigrants to strengthen that Garrison.⁴ I have also proposed to the Merchants at the different Harbours to supply them with Guns &^ca. to defend themselves, and their property against these small Vessels, This I hope will meet with your Lordships approbation.

As I find it is impossible to provide any place to Lodge the Number of Troops sent hither. I shall order the Recruits of the 4^th and 54^th. to Halifax.

It surprises me much that neither myself, Lieutenant Colonel Hay, or any of the Officers of the different Corps have any directions in what manner they are to proceed. I have the honour to be [&c.]