My Lord

In the delicate state of my health and public situation, & it being very probable I may be either taken Prisoner, as a state Hostage, or obliged to retire on board one of His Majestys Ships of War to avoid the insolence of an inflamed Mob, you will see the expediency of my humble request to His Majesty for discretionary leave to return to England and that it may be sent out to me by the next Packet; was I to remain three four or five months on board the ship on Salt Provisions, in my billious Habit of Body I should afterwards have but little prospect of compleating the voyage, the King may be assured I will make no wanton, hasty, or improper use of such Grace, and if I find I cannot stay in my Government will resign my Commission as Governor on my arrival in England. But should His Majesty have the least wish to recall me, I shall most cheerfully and obediently submit to His Royal Will  Your Lordships good offices in obtaining for me the above request will greatly oblige my Lord Your Lordships [&c.]