Sir,

As I have received Orders to hold myself in readiness to proceed on a Command to North America, I beg leave to represent to you, for their Lordships information, that in my Opinion it will contribute much to the preservation of the Health of the Seamen Employ'd in that Country (where we shall be cut off from all Supplys of Vegetables from the Provinces that are in Arms) if they would please to give Orders for a Vessel to be sent, from time to time, either from this Kingdom or Ireland with Potatoes & Carrots & Parsnips & Onions,² which will keep good for many Months, especially if She can be dispatched so as to arrive at Boston before the Frost sets in, which seldom happens 'till after Christmas; and while I am writing upon this subject may I be permitted to add, that it would be greatly instrumental in answering the above purpose, if a small Vessel of 80 or 100 Tons, was to Sail from Lisbon or Oporto with Onions, Oranges, Lemons, &ca by the End of October,³ and another of the same size by the End of February; as I presume the Commander in Chief will (if he is not already) be Authorized to send a small Vessel at proper Seasons to the Bahama Islands for Turtle, Oranges, Chaddocks, Limes &ca, the want of the usual and necessary refreshments will by these means be in a great measure supplied, and the Health of the Seamen preserved. I am, Sir [&c.]