(a Copy)
Sir.

I have the Honor of enclosing to you General [William] How[e]'s dispatches, with a Copy of my instructions  I shall beg leave to add what the Commander in Chief told me on taking my leave "that the preservation of the Garrison of Boston depended on my Success" ー Immediately on my arrival here I waited upon the Governor who has called his Council, and I have reason to believe that I shall be able to procure a few Hundred Barrels of Beef, which I shall set about getting on board as fast as possible, with 100 Casks of Rum, and then proceed to Antigua and compleat the Stores there, or St Eustatia, which ever you shall think best.

The Diana Transport is not yet arrived, the moment she does, will dispatch her to Antigua, for the purpose of fitting her out agreeable to the General's instructions.

Give me leave, Sir, to take notice how anxious the General is for a Convoy for us, and such Transports and Store ships as have by distress of Weather been driven to the West Indies ー the Number of Piratical Ships of War which swarm on the American Coast make is absolutely necessary.

The importance of the enclosed dispatches will I hope plead an excuse for my demanding your Tender to take them down to you.

Captain Otta of the 38th Regiment will have the Honor of delivering them to you, and to whom, Sir, I beg leave to refer you for particulars. ー I expect to Sail from hence in four or five days. I have the Honor to be Sir [&c.]

Admiral Young at Antigua.