Sir

I received by Captain [John] Tollemache your letter [of] June 27, and am extremely glad to find that as his Majs. Service did not allow of my sending a Sloop of War to Savannah, according to my Directions from my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, it has not, in your Excellencys opinion, been detrimental to the Kings Interest within your Government;² however as that may not long continue to be the case I consider myself still obliged to send a Sloop whenever it is in my Power. Lord Wm. Campbell and Governor [Josiah] Martin have made Representations to the same effect with your Excellency, and have earnestly requested that means be used to keep a constant and frequent Intercourse between the Southern Colonies and Boston; but as I do not think it safe for any other Vessels but Men of War to be employ'd on this Service, we must be denied this pleasure untill the Number of the Squadron is increased, when I shall do the utmost in my power on this and every other occasion for the good of the King's Service.

It is certainly reported here that four hundred Barrels of the Kings Gunpowder intended for Georgia were taken by the Rebels: I hope it is really intended to be appropriated as your Excellency imagines; but at this Juncture I fear it has taken a different direction. I am &c