We are assured, that Admiral Shuldham is not to have the command of the fleet destined to serve against the Americans, and that Lord [Richard] Howe is certainly appointed, and has accepted the command. This change is in consequence of a representation made to his Majesty shortly after Admiral Shuldham's nomination, by the senior flag officers, of the impropriety of placing a junior to command older officers, and that in short it would be looked upon as an affront offered them, and they would certainly lay down their commissions, rather than serve on such terms, which the naval arrangements made in this kingdom have heretofore been unacquainted with. This had such weight with his Majesty, that Lord Howe, as the senior Admiral, was appointed, and is now preparing to take the command. The Deal Castle man of war, and the Pigat, an old East-Indiaman, taken up as an hospital-ship for America, and which sailed from Falmouth the 5th of Jan. last for Corke, were not arrived there the 19th.