My Lord — I have done myself the honour since I sailed from Spithead of writing several letters to your Lordship, which I presume have been received. I should be sorry to be thought troublesome; but as your Lordship, from your knowledge of sea affairs and of the nature of conjunct expeditions, must be sensible how necessary the most perfect harmony is on such occasions, it may not be unsatisfactory to inform your Lordship that immediately on my appointment to this command I waited on General Clinton and Lord Percy, who did me the honour to accept of the Chatham for their headquarters. We set out in good humour and friendship, so we have continued, and so we are likely to continue. The season advances upon us so fast that I cannot give your Lordship any hopes of Providence falling into our hands before the spring; and I believe I must be contented with using the best means in my power to block up the Continental fleet as they term it. Their Admiral Hopkins is now with them. The Alfred is the only ship (I am told) at sea from this port; and should she appear off, we have Continental colours, which the general will hoist at the fort with a view to decoy her in, and I shall have a frigate ready to slip after her.

I cannot help esteeming your Lordship as a very particular friend to whom I owe the greatest obligation. I must therefore my Lord do my best, were it only for your credit, being, my Lord [etc.]