Sir I am too much of an Officer to wish you to do anything Incompatible with the Honor of your Commission, or to recede My self from any point which I conceive to be my duty. Under the force of reciprocal feelings consequences may ensue which each of us perhaps may wish fo avoid. Our Centinels have rec'd orders by no means to offer insult or injury to your Boats or People or to any others that are not landing in a hostile Manner, if they exceed this order we should punish them Ourselves, or should you do it we should thank you for it. But if Sir, you feel it your duty to make your resentment extend farther them meerly as to them, we should wish that the Inhabitants of this Town, who have nothing to do in this matter may have time to remove with their Effects which to Night they have not. As to the rest I should be unworthy the respect of a person of your Character Should I consult anything but my Duty. I have the honour to be Sir [&c.]
Robert Howe.
Norfolk Decr 30th 1775
1. PRO, Colonial Office, 5/1353.
