Copy.
Sir 

On the 29^th: past I received Notice from the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that a Squadron of French Ships of War, of which You have been advised, had put to Sea from Toulon for the Coasts of this Continent;¹ And that being appointed to proceed with a Squadron of His Majesty's Ships directly to Halifax, You were to be further governed after your Arrival there, by the Tenor of your Orders dated 3^d: of May,² of which a Copy has been at the same time transmitted to me.

The Commander of the Packet,³ by which I received those Dispatches, informs me that he was chased or followed by a French Squadron of sixteen Sail, from the 6^th: to the 8^th: of June; when the French Squadron, then in Latitude of 30°.. 30' and Longitude of about 48° West, hauled to the Wind in the South West Quarter on the Larboard Tack. 

From many concurring Circumstances I cannot doubt that this was the Squadron under the Comte d'Estaing. But I do not see that any just inference can be thence formed, of the particular Port on this Continent for which the French Admiral is destined. Wherefore he may be still intending for Boston; and in that Case, I shall hope You may be able to obtain Intelligence of his Motions from some of the Frigates of the Fleet under my Command assembling at Halifax.—⁴ You will please, however, not to quit the American Coast under the Licence given in your Orders to that Effect, until you have further Instructions from me thereon; But as You may be drawn away from this Continent, in any actual Pursuit of the French Squadron, upon having the good Fortune to fall in therewith at Sea. I make no Doubt that you will in such Case, and at all Times, let me know your Movements and Intentions, by every suitable Opportunity, addressed to me at this Port. 

The British Forces having evacuated the Province of Pensylvania pursuant to the King's Command signified to that Effect; And being very lately arrived on the Jersey Shore to embark for New York, to all Appearance in the face of the Rebel Army; I am necessarily detained here until that important Operation is completed. I propose then to attempt joining You, with such Force as some material Circumstance respecting the general Benefit of the King's Service (of which I cannot immediately judge) will admit. But I shall be attentive to advise You in the mean Time of all the Intelligence I obtain concerning the French Admiral's Measures, and of my proceedings with Reference to the Purpose of your Orders of the 3^d: of May as before-mentioned. I have the Honor to be, [&c.]