My Dear Sir Cha^s:

The last Letter which I received from you, and the only One unanswered, is of the 23^d: of March, denoting every appearance of War with France, who I devoutly hope will suffer severely for their perfidy during our Contest with America. By the place from whence I date my Letter You will perceive I am somewhat nearer the Main Ocean than what I was. Admiral Gambier has taken my late Station off of the Town,¹ and I have joined My Lord Howe, who met the Army here from Philadelphia which they evacuated, and marched hither through the Jerseys: . . . 

From some Intelligence My Lord Howe has had of the probability of Mons^r. D'estain being upon the Coast,² He is getting together all his largest Ships with a view of looking for them, and we shall proceed according to the present Plan, immediately upon this Service, which being over, or not taking place, I am then as his Lordship informs me, intended for a different one, which it would at this time be improper not to be very close about³. . . . 

I am much obliged to the Ladies⁴ for their Remembrance of One who is as much their humble Servant, as he is My Dear Sir Cha^s. most Affectionately & Sincerely Yours

I am sorry to find that neither you or I have got the Government of Portsmouth, in either of which Cases I should have had a good House; You must therefore now try for Plymouth which will do as well.⁵