[Extract]

Two Men of War & two or three Transports with about 200 Marines sailed about 10 Days ago on an Expedition not certainly known. ² Some say to the W. Indies to stop Supplies from thence, others supposing that Provision istheir Object. I hope their Design is good, & wish them Success. Genl Clinton sails in the Mercury tomorrow for Virginia. [Richard] Reeve goes his Secretary. The Falcon & two or three Transports with two Light Companies on board accompany the General. ー Admiral Shuldham takes the Command of the Fleet tomorrow. It must be a Change for the better, for so much Ignorance, Stupidity, Pride, Avarice & whatever You have a mind to add in the same Strain, never centered in one Commander of a Fleet in the British Navy since the Flag was hoisted, as in one that is not unknown among us. We are told that the present Commanders in Chief of the Navy (I mean Mr. Shuldham) and Army have a very good Understanding with each other, from which we hope to see good Effects. ー

To Mr Joseph Taylor New England Coffee House [London]