Sir

Your Letter of the 27th of July, delivered to me this day, confirms my Opinion that we are risquing the Loss of all your Drawings, Plans, Instruments &c, and perhaps the Liberty if not the Lives of all concerned by continuing to prosecute the business of the Survey you are employ'd on: I have therefore ordered Captain Vandeput to receive on board the Asia all your Instruments, Plans, Drawings, Charts &c for their Security, in Order that the Publick may not lose the Benefit of your Labours purchased at so considerable an Expence.

It is impossible for me to spare the Canceaux, But Captain Vandeput is ordered upon your Requisition to give you every Assistance he can in getting your things on board, & also to receive such of the Gentlemen and People employed on the Survey as may prefer being secure in the Kings Ship to remaining among the Rebels. It is of very great consequence to send the abovemention'd Valuables immediately on board the Asia. You may assure yourself that Affairs are growing worse, and that hostilities will not continue to be carried so partially as at present.

When all your Matters are safe on board the Asia they can be removed at Leizure; and I shall gladly suit your Convenience in that or any thing in my Power. I am &c