Governor Martin

I take the earliest opportunity of informing Your Excellency of my appointment to the command of His Majestys Troops destined to be employed in the Southern Colonies of North America, and that I shall embark from hence in a few days for Cape Fear within Your Excellencys Government in the Province of North Carolina, but as I mean to touch in my way at New York & Virginia it will probably be the latter end of the Month before I shall reach that Place ー

My instructions inform me that five Regiments were ordered to embark from Ireland on the 1st of December, and that the Transports were directed to proceed with the Troops to Cape Fear River, And as they may possible make the Coast before My Arrival, I am to request you will be pleased to communicate with the Bearer Capt [William Glanville] Evelyn of the 4th Regt (whom I get leave to introduce to Your acquaintance as an Officer of great merit) and to consult upon such measures as may best afford assistance to the Transoprts on that Dangerous Coast at this inclement Season of the Year.

I shall be glad to receive any private information you may think necessary to give me by Letter, which Capt Evelyn will deliver to me on my arrival on the Coast I am with great Regard & Esteem &ca