Onboard His Majesty's Sloop the Otter in Virginia 17th July 1775.
(COPY)
Sir As I have received every Assistance from Captain [George] Montagu which it was possible to expect from Zeal and Assiduity, it is particularly unfortunate to his Majesty's Service that that Gentleman should be succeeded in the Command of his Majesty's Ships here by Captain [John] Macartney who seems to be actuated altogether by Principles totally different, and to have principally at heart the making Friends among his Majesty's greatest Enemies in this Country. Hitherto instead of aiding me, he has very much prejudiced all the Measures which I have thought requisite to adopt for restoring his Majesty's lost Authority in this Government; and his Conduct has been of such a Nature that I forsee it will be impossible for me ever, with propriety to apply to him for any Assistance if I should require it of him; And as I think him utterly unfit for such a Command, I hope therefore You will by the most speedy means relieve him or send a different Person for the Command. I must refer You to Captain Montagu for particulars.
Sign'd Dunmore
1. PRO, Admiralty 1/485, LC Transcript.