My dear Sir

Since my second letter to you (which was directed to Plymouth) I have the honour of yours, for the contents of which I beg you to accept my most sincere acknowledgements.

It is now decided that the Apollo waits for no Convoy, the King being very desirous I should arrive in Canada as early as possible. He presses Lord Sandwich every day to expedite her fitting out, & between friends I conceive it possible his Lordship may be enough of the Courtier to report that event before it takes place in fact-I therefore request of your friendship to let me know precisely the time that you are sure you can sail weather permitting, as I should be sorry to delay you a single day on one side, or on the other to quit London, where I have much private busyness, an hour before it may be necessary.

I find there are more people desirous of solliciting a passage on board you than would man your whole ship. I beg you to beleive me incapable of authorising any person to use my name in such solicitation-I feel myself infinitely obliged by your kind invitation & should be unpardonable to extend the claim your goodness gives me beyond my own aids de Camp, except it be for a gentleman whom Lord George may possibly send with me for great purpose of publick service, & in that case it will be matter of favour to Government & as such only I shall ask it. I thought it right to premise this, as I understand the Competitors for the Apollo are so numerous.

I shall trouble you with as little baggage as possible, but as it is possible I may be in motion immediately after my arrival in Canada, & before my gross baggage arrives, I hope it will not be an inconvenience if I bring three or perhaps four servants.

Your zeal for the service, your amiable disposition, & above all your partiality towards me can alone countenance me in taking all these liberties.

Let me hear from you by return of post & beleive me with inviolable attachment Dear Sir [&c.]