Eagle [Off Chester] Novr. 7th. 1777 1 PM
Dear Sir
I have been favoured with your letter writ yesterday,1 & delivered this Morning by Captain Reeves—
We shall be glad to continu everything for your accommodation in the useful service you render us, But our means are so much confined, that particular care should be taken in the Choice of the complaining men sent from the Ships—
It is not for obvious reasons adviseable to let any man leave the Ships under the Denomination of sick besides such as are absolutely incapable of assisting themselves. that if you send down such as are under those Circumstances we will provide for them in the best manner we are able
The Somerset moves up to Billingsport preparatory to the Service intended, & I must request of you & the other Captains of the Squadron, to furnish Captn. Ourrey with all the information he may need in the Different Objects which have been recommended to your Attention—I am [&c.]
Howe
LB, NHi, William Cornwallis Papers, Letter Book, 97-98. Addressed at foot of last page: "Honble Captn Cornwallis."
1. Above