Sir

Notwithstanding the Rebels Attack upon the King's Troops on the 19th of April and their subsequent behaviour would I think have fully justified my exerting the whole force of His Majesty's Squadron under my Command against the New England Provinces several Months ago; Yet I have hitherto forebore, hoping this unhappy People would either have returned to their Duty, or that before this time the final determination of Great Britain Concerning them would have been known: But after the repeated Insults and Losses His Majesty's Squadron has sustained by part of it being burnt and taken; the King's People killed and made Prisoners; Light Houses destroyed; Commerce interrupted, And the Preparations for War daily making in the different Towns, I can no longer delay using the Means in my power to prevent the progress of such Rebellious and Pyratical Transactions.

With your Excellency's approbation and Assistance, I purpose to lay Waste such Sea Port Towns in the New England Governments as are not likely to be useful to His Majesty's Stores and to destroy all the Vessels within the Harbours. To this End I must beg your Excellency to assist me with such Men, Vessels, Artillery Forces &ca as His Majesty's Squadron is not provided with, and are really requisite for the intended Service.

A Party of Soldiers under the Command of a steady, experienced Officer, would almost ensure success to the Expedition and I submit to your Excellency's better Judgment how many will answer the purpose.

A small detachment from the Artillery will also be necessary under the Command of a Subaltern whom I should be glad to name.

It may be proper to mention that the Symmetry and Spitfire require some small fitting to receive Howitzers and Mortar, Carriages for the Howitzers are also wanting. And as I have no person in the fleet who can do that sort of Work, I must beg the Artillery and Transport Carpenters may assist those of the Squadron under the direction of Mr Austin the Artillery Master Carpenter. But not to trouble your Excellency with too many applications on this business, I enclose a particular Account of every thing that I believe we shall have occasion to ask for; and, satisfied of your readiness to Co-operate with and assist me on all occasions for this Majestys Service, It will give Me great pleasure If your Excellency approving my proposal, is pleased to order the required Supplies to be furnished with as much dispatch as possible I have the honor to be with great regard and Esteem Sir [&c.]