Sir

When I had the honor to converse with You on the subject of the Marines lately ordered from England, I understood You had settled it with me, that all the supernumerary Marines shou'd land under the Command of Major [John] Pitcairne; and on that account Quarters have been preparing for their reception. But Major Pitcairne informs me, that you are not fixed in the design of landing them, particularly as You had received no formal requisition from Me on the Subject; And it is on that account I now trouble You, to beg you wou'd order the Supernumerary Marines to be landed as soon as their Quarters are ready. that they may be disciplined in a manner to enable them to act on shore with the rest of [His Majesty's Troops?] And I wou'd be glad to be informed, if you consenfto their landing, whether you mean to victual and pay them after they are on Shore, or whether they are to be fed and paid in the same manner as the rest of the Soldiers?

I am, Sir, with great regard [&c.]

Samuel Graves Esqr Vice Admiral of the Blue & Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships & Vessels in N. America