Sir/ 

By the Grantham, the Packet wherein the enclosed Dispatches which I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency were forwarded, I received Advice from the Lords Comm^ers. of the Admiralty, concerning the supposed destination of the French Squadron,¹ and detachment of His Majesty's Ships under Vice Admiral Byron, therein mentioned. But no particulars being added in my Letter, regarding the Armament ordered for the West-Indies,² I have presumed to open your Dispatches also, in the belief that I should from thence obtain some further Information of the King's Intentions, for my guidance with respect to the departure of the Armament in case it should not put to Sea before the Receipt of the important Intelligence now communicated to us, and for regulating my own Motions at this critical period. 

I was induced in consequence, to postpone every other consideration, and to wait at Sandy-Hook until I could have the benefit of your Sentiments with reference to the measures most advisable to be adopted under our present circumstances, for the Advantage of His Majesty's general Service in this country. I have the honor [&c.]

P:S: 

It may not be improper to add that no Person knows here of the liberty I have taken to open Your Dispatches