Copy
My Lord,

The Masters of the Vessels, in the enclosed List, had obtained their Letters of Marque, incurred the whole expence of their outfit, and were on the eve of Sailing before your Lordship's circular Letter of the 20^th. of April 1777.¹ Address'd to Sir Basil Keith, had, from the hurry incidental to a change of Office, been laid before me.² I considered therefore the Act Authorizing the grant of Letters of Marque and Licences as my sole guide in these Instances. On reading your Lordship's Letter I would instantly have recalled them, but have been prevailed on to forbear, by the several Masters representing to me, the great losses they would thereby sustain, and, in full confidence, from the Measures I have taken, of the King's Service not suffer­ing by my notwithdrawing the present Letters of Marque and Licences. Your Lord­ship may be assured, that being now apprized of your desire with regard to Licences for any articles Cleared out for the Colonies, I will pay the most implicit respect to it, until your directions shall be received to the contrary. I will trouble your Lordship to direct proper Certificates to be brought me by the several Masters, mentioned in the enclosed List, of their compliance or not with their engagements, that I may take such steps against the delinquents (if any) as shall become necessary. I have the Honor to be [&c.]