Sir

In Answer to the Copy of a Memorial which You have received from my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty transmitted to them from the Earl of Suffolk one of His Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State from Monsr de Hennoken the Danish Charge d' Affairs, complaining of my Conduct in His Majesty's Ship Hind under my Command: in the Road Fredericstadt, off one of the Danish West India Islands: and Secretary Stephens having signified their Lordships Directions to You to make immediate enquiry into the matter therein Complained of: I am to acquaint You the 7th February 1776. at seven OClock, dark Night, I came to an Anchor in the Road, and without meaning the least disrespect to the Fort did not hoist any Colours 'till the next Morning, it not being Customary to wear them after Sun Set.

As to my boarding Vessels under their Guns, I remember to have spoke but two Sloops and I had suspicion of their belonging to His Majesty's Rebellious Subjects jn America, both of them were at least three Miles from any Fort On my Boats boarding one of them, the Fort fired a Shot and the Officer immediately desisted examining her; afterwards on the 18th April 1776 I met with His Majesty's Armed Brig St John (Commanded by Lieutenant Grant) off St Augustine who had just before seized the above mention'd Sloop, having the same Master, Mate and Men on board (which were Known by the Officer who boarded her off Frederickstadt) Laden with Arms and Powder, bound to America. I have the Honor to be [&c.]