Sir The Bearer Colonel Kirkland begs to be introduced to you, and I do it with great pleasure, as I am sure you will be happy to be acquainted with an American so truely well disposed to His Majestys Service, you will find him a man of real worth & spirit, for particulars I refer you to the Genl Our little squadron here goes on as well as you can expect, but as Capt Squire writes to you by this opportunity, I shall not trouble you any further, than returning you thanks for the Kind reception you was so good as [to] give to Major Connolly; and to assure you that I am Sir [&c.]
Dunmore
Off Norfolk Virginia on board the William 9ber [sic November] 24th 1775
P.S. I have now only to request you if possible to let one of the line of Battle Ships winter here & to dispatch the Sloop Betsey as soon as possible ー D. ー To Admiral Graves
1. Intercepted Letters, Papers CC, 51, I, 401, NA. This letter was forwarded to Congress in George Washington's letter of December 18, 1775. It was found on board the prize brig Betsey.