My dear Sir
This letter will be delivered to you by Mr Rowlby a very amiable friend of mine who accompanies a young midshipman, brother td Lord Moreton, in order to deliver him safe into your hands. The boy's looks speak in his favour; his character & talents will do so more strongly. I have congratulated Lady Moreton upon her good fortune in having her son placed in the Apollo among a set of spirited & agreeable lads of little more than his age, & where the Captain while he trains them to be officers treats them like a parent.
Mr Rowlby will deliver to you a trifling Cup which I must request you will do me the honour to accept for the purpose of drinking Mrs Pownall & your fair daughter's healths during our voyage, & exercising Sir Francis's talents for the Negus ー 2 You must allow me in friendship to say I will take no denial for granting me this small favour.
I wrote to you at length yesterday by the person charged to deliver my baggage at Plymouth who I conclude will arrive before this. I have therefore only to add my assurances of the respect & affection with which I have the honor to be Dr Sir [&c.]
P:S: I shall certainly be at Plymouth on Saturday
Hartford Street March 24 1777