(Copy)

I got without the Lighthouse with his Majs Ship under my Command a Sunday [December 18] about Noon, the Wind at West North West, in the Afternoon the Wind veering to the Eastward and looking dirty, I put back and Anchor'd in Nantasket Road, at 3 the next Morning the Wind got round to So by East, I got under sail and at Eleven the same Morning Anchord here, where I found the Canceaux got in here the Night after She left Boston, but not soon enough to prevent the People of this Province from carrying off 18 Guns of different Sizes from Castle William and Mary, and they intended to carry off the remainder which amounted to about 53, if the Scarborough and Canceaux had not arriv'd here; They behaved in the most outragious manner in hauling down the King's Colours with three Cheers, treating the Commanding Officer of the Fort with the greatest Insolence, they snap't a Pistol in the face of a poor old Invalid who went to defend the King's Colours, but that not going off they knock'd him down with it; The Scarbroh and Canceaux are at Anchor close to the Castle. Upon my Arrival I waited on Governor [John] Wentworth and delivered your Pacquet, he intends being On board the Scarbroh tomorrow if its moderate to consult which is the best Method to take to secure the Guns that are left, and the rest of the King's Stores that are in the Castle (which at present is in a very defenceless State) but You may be assured they will not attempt it while any of the King's Ships are here, the Governor acquaints Me he imagines they have not carried any of the Guns up in the Country as yet, if they have not, I am in great hopes I shall be able to recover them again; We have sent People out to find where they are lodg'd, there are two or three Batteries on the different Islands in the Harbour, the Governor has apply'd to Me to assist in getting the Guns removed to the Castle which I shall do as soon as the Weather is moderate, and You may depend I shall give every assistance in my power for his Majs service whenever the Governor or Civil Magistrates apply to me for that purpose; If any event of consequence should happen I shall send You express, as writing by Post, Govr Wentworth acquaints me is not safe at present.

I am Sir [&c.]