Sir,

I have received by Express both your Letters of yesterdays date, with the Four In closures to which they refer, One of those Letters signifying to me their Lordships Directions, to Station One of the small Ships under my Command, or some Arm'd Vessel at the Bermuda Islands, and a like vessel at [New] Providence, for the safety and preservation of the Ordnance and Stores belonging to His Majesty at those places, in case any attempts shou'd be made upon them; and the other Letter signifying Their Lordships Direction to me, to send some of the Vessels under my Command, of a Proper Size and Force, to Endeavour to destroy, Weigh up or otherwise render useless the Machines sunk in the Channel of the River leading to Philadelphia to obstruct the Navigation thereof; All which Orders shall be Executed immediately on the Command devolving to me after my arrival in America. I am, Sir [&c.]