Lord Sandwich has the honour to inform your Majesty that he came to town yesterday in order to pay his duty to your Majesty this day, but on his arrival at the Admiralty was met by the melancholly account of the death of his son at Lisbon, which will prevent his attending to recieve your Majesty's Commands till Sunday next.

As your Majesty does not disapprove of being troubled with the sight of such private letters as relate to the business of this department, I take the liberty to send those I have recieved from Admiral Graves, and from Lieutenant Collins of the Marines; as allso one from Sir Hugh Pallisser, which will serve to shew your Majesty that the business has not been neglected during my absence, & that we shall probably be able to supply everything that is wanted, tho' the short notice we have had for such enormous demands is without precedent. Imagining your Majesty might chuse to see the Rebel flag it is sent herewith, I propose, if your Majesty permits, to send it to Admiral [John] Montagu. ²