Copy.

Sr

Knowing well that your sailing Orders are of too positive a nature to admit of any delay in the execution of them, it would be highly improper to solicit an Extraordinary extension at this Juncture, did not an absolute necessity require it.

By contrary Winds above one half of our Battalion Accoutrements all our Swords & Officers Fuzees, part of our Camp Equipage & the whole Ammunition of the Regi:r;nent did not arrive at the Carron from England before the 24th of this Month ー An Officer with a Detachment is now employed in forwarding these Articles with the utmost Expedition to Greenock, and from the Accounts receiv'd from him late last Night, we have reason to be1ieve the whole will arrive at Greenock upon the 28th at farthest. This being the Case we hope you will join in opinion that it is absolutely necessary for His Majesty's Service that the-Fleet should remain for that time at Greenock than that-the Troops who are destined for immediate Service, should proceed to North America without their Accoutrements & Ammunition. We have the honor to be &c.

Wm Erskine Lt Coll of the 1st Battn 71st Archd Campbep Lt Col. of the 2d Battn 71st 2