Sir

Rear Admiral Shuldham arrived at Nantasket in his Majesty's Ship Chatham the 30th. Ulto And I had the honour to receive their Lordships Orders hereafter mentioned, Vizt

Of Sepr 28, 1775 To intercept seize and bring into Port all Ships and Vessels whatever having on board Salt Petre, with Copies of the Kings Order in Council of the 27th September.

Octr 15 To station a small Ship at [New] Providence and one at the Bermuda Islands for the safety and preservation of his Majs Ordnance Stores at those places.

Octr 15 To send a Force to destroy the floating Batteries and to weigh up and render useless the Machines sunk in the River Delaware with a View to obstruct the Navigation.

Octr 23 To give the most positive Orders to the Captains of the Squadron to burn and destroy every Vessel fitted out from any of the Colonies in Support of the Rebellion.
I had also the Honour to receive their Lordships Orders dated the 29th of September to remove my Flag from the Preston to one of the three Guard Ships named in the Margin, and so soon as I shall have communicated to Rear Admiral Shuldhain, who is to succeed me in the Command of his Majesty's Ships and Vessels in North America, such Intelligence of the State of Affairs in this Country as may be material for him to know, and have delivered to him. Copies of such of their Lordships Orders and Instructions as remain unexecuted, either iq. the whole or part, and of which he has not already been furnished with Copies by their Lordships, to make the best of my Way to Plymouth Sound or Spithead.

The Boyne sailed for England the 5th of last month, The Somerset is at Halifax, The Asia at New York; so that altho' I would most readily obey their Lordship's Command and come to England in one of the two large Ships last mentioned, it will take up so much time, and it is such a Risque to attempt getting to either of them at this Season, that I think it better at once to proceed to England in the Preston; and as this Ship has not been cleaned since she left England, she may be docked and return again to Boston in nearly the same time it would take to careen her at Halifax.

The Business necessary to be done upon leaving the Station shall be finished as soon as possible, and I hope to get away the latter End of this Month. I am &c