[Extract]

Sir  I have received and communicated to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your Letter of the 8th of January last, enclosing Copies of the Letters you had received from Governor [John] Wentworth relative to the riotous proceedings in New Hampshire, and giving an account of the steps you had taken thereupon, as also of your proceedings up to the date of your Letter; and in return I am to acquaint you that their Lordships very well approve thereof.

I have also received and communicated to their Lordships your Letter of the 15h of January enclosing Copies of the Sentences of the Courts Martial which had been held upon Captain [William] Maltby, and James Bignel Gunner, of the Glasgow, and acquainting their Lordships with the advices you had received from Captain [Andrew] Barkley and Lieutenant [Henry] Mouat [Mowat] of the accident which had happened to the Canceaux by the ignorance of the Pilot.

Their Lordships approve of your having landed the Supernumerary Marines belonging to the Ships under your Command upon the requisition of General [Thomas] Gage, and of your having discharged them from the Ships Books, it corresponding exactly with their Lordships directions to you of the 28th of January, of which you will receive a Duplicate by this Conveyance.

Their Lordships being apprehensive that the Contractors for Victualling His Majesty's Ships in North America may meet with difficulties in furnishing them with Provisions in some of the Colonies on account of the present Disturbances, have directed the Victualling Board to send out to you upon Freight 4 Months Provisions of all species for 4275 Men, that you may, as you shall see occasion, be enabled to send supplies to such of the Ships under your Command as may stand in need thereof.

The St Lawrence Schooner being condemned as unfit for further Service, you will receive, by this conveyance their Lordships Order to purchase another to supply her place.

The Transports appointed to carry the Marines to Boston are now falling down the River. The Nautilus, Merlin and Otter Sloop (by one of which you will receive this Letter): are nearly ready and will probably sail in the Course of next Week to join you. The Scorpion will soon follow them; as will also the Hunter as soon as she can be got ready.

I am &c        

(By the Nautilus) Vide Sir James Douglas's Letter 5h March 1775  Duplicate sent the 6h April ー (By the Senegal)