Sir

As it is my duty, so it is my most earnest desire on all occasions, to act conjointly with you, in every matter, which may be for the good of His Majesty's service, or in support of His Government.

But however anxious I am, in my endeavours [fo]r these purposes, I cannot go beyond the authority vested in me, by the Law and the Constitution; I therefore thought it highly proper, to take the opinion of His Majesty's Attorney General, upon your Letter of yesterday's date.

As I think it my duty, to be guided by the officer appointed by the Crown to advise me, in matters of such nature, as your request is; his opinion (a Copy of which I have the honour to inclose) prevents me from complying therewith ー I am Sir [&c.]

Basil Keith 2