[Extract]

The Augmentation of Vice Admiral [Samuel] Graves's Squadron by an Addition of 50 Gun Ships as he proposes & which I see Lord Sandwich approves, corresponds exactly with the Wishes of the rest of the King's Servants, and Lord Dartmouth would have received The King's Pleasure upon it, with the other Matters contained in his Letter to the Lords of the Admiralty of yesterday's date, but that both he and Lord North did not think it proper to give such Orders without first consulting Lord Sandwich; His Lordship's Letter to you decides upon the Matter, and Lord Dartmouth directs me to say he entirely approves what Lord Sandwich proposes and will take The King's Pleasure for the necessary Orders as soon as possible; In the mean time you will perhaps think it adviseable to press forward the Preparation.