D^r. Sir/ 

The Wind being favorable to put to Sea for the Delaware where my earliest presence is necessary, I have not time to finish the Official Instructions You would otherwise have received before I left the Hook. 

By the Andromeda, I am advised that R. Ad^l. Gambier¹ is to be daily expected. I mean that he should be charged with the Services of this Port at present; As some time will probably be requisite to get his Ship in condition for other Service after his passage from England.² And I propose (which I am sure will be more agreeable as being a more active Scene) that you should take the Command in Chesepeak Bay;³ where three of the large ships bringing European Cargoes, are said to be destined, in order to load back with Tobacco. 

Capt. Onslow⁴ is apprized of the necessity for his Stay in Chesepeak Bay, by your Tender.⁵ And I mean a 50 Gun ship to be sent immediately from the Delaware, if I find the Circumstances of the Service such upon my arrival as to admit of it. 

By this earlier notice of your probable Appointment, You will have leisure to prepare the necessary Information on the different Branches of the Service of the Port and adjacent Stations, in readiness for the R. Admirals arrival; And as I shall have time to finish the Official authorities on my way to the Delaware, they will be very soon sent back to you. I am with the greatest regard D^r Sir [&c.]