Admiralty, 25th August 1775.
Private.
Dear Sir, ー As you will now have a very great naval force under your command, and as the eyes of all the world are now fixed on your operations, I think it incumbent upon me to speak freely to you, and to tell you the general opinion of mankind here with regard to the state of affairs in America.
The nation (except some factious and interested opponents) are in a manner unanimous in their resolution to crush the unnatural rebellion that has broke out in America by force of arms, which to our great concern we find now to be the only expedient left; and as I have told you in former letters, you will be liable to universal censure for doing too little, though I should be greatly surprised if you incurred any blame by rather overdoing your part in the other extreme.
I think I should not perform the part of a friend, if I endeavoured to conceal from you that the world in general has been full of complaints that the fleet does nothing; and that in particular fresh provisions are wanted at Boston, which the ships have it in their power to procure: they say that you do not consider the rebellious colonies as a people you are actually at war with; and that though they take every advantage in their power in order to starve the navy and army, you seem to have delicacies about taking possession of whatever is wanted for subsistence or in aid of your operations.
Though this language is chiefly in the mouths of those who are unacquainted with your force and of the extensive services that your fleet is to be employed in, yet still the idea of your doing too little has been so prevalent that it is with great difficulty that I have been able to resist the general cry for another commander. I have however resisted it hitherto; and I am persuaded that you will give me fresh materials before the end of the campaign to confirm what I have asserted, namely that you will exert every nerve in support of the important business you are engaged in.
You are going to be greatly reinforced and to have a very able rear-admiral2 to command under you; with that assistance, I think you will soon show the rebels the weight of an English fleet.
If ー we had any bomb-vessels ready, I should send them out directly, as I imagine they may be of use; at all events, you shall have a couple early in the spring.
Whatever wants you may have, let us know them, and you may be assured you shall be supplied liberally, as there is not the least intention of starving the cause.
It is impossible to think of directing your particular operations here; but it occurs to me that with a fleet that is master of the sea and with so large a number of transports ready to convey troops to any part of the continent, a diversion might be made to the southward which would embarrass your opponents and take them unprepared: I own I should be very happy to hear that such a plan was in agitation, and have no doubt but that you would give it every kind of encouragement.
I have always understood that Rhode Island and other places in rebellion are open to the sea and have plenty of cattle and stock. I think by means of your fleet you might contrive to force them to supply your :wants. However, as I have already said, I do not pretend to point out any particular operations, I only mean to perform the duty of a friend by holding out to your view the rock you may split upon and by laying open the channel through which it may be avoided. I am [&c.]