Sir

I had the honour to acquaint you by a letter sent in the Tarrible Sloop on the 17th of this month,² that the troops have all embarked, and that when the few transports now remaining in Spencers Inlet could get out we should be ready to go to Sea;

As the wind is now fair & those vessels will probably be out this morning, I must again submit to you whether, recollecting our small quantity of water, the danger which the Agents seem to apprehend in case of a gale of wind, with other reasons of still more importance, the advanced season & necessity of our being as soon as possible at NY  recollecting all this & the uncertainty when the frigates can get out whether it will not be more advisable for us to go to sea without them; the agents will no doubt take every precaution & as the bays of Delaware & chesapeak must be marked I apprehend no danger; I understood from Mr Tomkin [Thomas Tonkin] that you wish to have Mr [John] Knowles with you, as the Palister & peace & plenty are the only two transports that will remain with you, & as our safety will depend in great measure on our keeping together, I am sure you will think tis necessary he should be with us; I have the honour to be