Sir,

I have received your Letter in Answer to my Application to the Corporation and Citizens, of Yesterday, to obtain their Assurances [either of] Protection while among them, or Security to remove on board the King's Ship; but as they have not authorized you, to pledge to me their Assurances of Security in either Case, my Duty in this Hour of Alarm, will not justify me to my Sovereign, in staying longer on Shore, without positive Declarations of their full Protection under every Circumstance.

I beg you will present my best Thanks to the Corporation and Citizens, for their affectionate and friendly Wishes towards me. I am, Sir [&c.]