My Lord

I was told yesterday that the allotment of the Apollo for my passage to Canada was changed for that of the Ariadne: But as I had no intimation from your Lordship of the necessity for such alteration I was unwilling to believe so marked a slight was intended me. 

It will probably be useless to state the difference which space and accommodation make to a landman in a long voyage, in his comfort, & consequently in his health & spirits; that agreeable accommodation, together with every circumstance that can result from friendship to render the sea less irksome, attend me on board the Apollo; that part of my baggage is actually at Plymouth; & that I believe the disappointment will be felt as much by Captain Pownall as myself ー these being matters of mere private satisfaction & applicable only where friendly attentions are to be claimed, I am to expect they will be treated with indifference; but I cannot persuade myself my objection to the Ariadne will want due weight when I Represent to your Lordship officially, that a ship of near double her force, & commanded by an active & spirited officer is actually equipped by the enemy for the special purpose of cruising in the gulph of St Lawrence.³ Tho' this intelligence should not be received at the Admiralty I undertake to say it is founded. 1 will not suppose this representation can be construed by any man to arise from an over anxious regard to my personal safety; but be it as it may, I have no hesitation in begging your Lordship to consider the important purposes with which I have the honour to be intrusted, & whether the Admiralty would stand quite excuseable if the King's Lieut General, so employed, should end his voyage at Boston instead of Quebec.

I have the honour to be [&c.]

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