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Sir,

As it may be necessary that I should put to Sea on the shortest Notice with a Part of the Squadron, And it is intended by the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that You should remain with the Chief Command of His Majesty's Ships employed on the North American Coasts, when I may be [obliged] to leave the Station: I have judged fit to transmit under Cover with this Letter, Counterparts of the Instructions relative to their Lordships Intentions for the Conduct of the Ships of War on this Station; Together with Copies of such as have been given by me, or which otherwise relate to the Plan of the several Arrangements subsisting prior to the Receipt of their Lordship's Orders of the 21^st: and 22^d. of March, by which the Services You will be to carry on in my Absence are to be principally regulated.¹ You are therefore to concert with Sir Henry Clinton, or the Commander in Chief of the Land Forces for the Time being, And to co-operate with and give all the Assistance in your Power to the Troops for facilitating the several Movements directed; By such seasonable Allotments to be hereafter made of the Ships and Armed Vessels left under your Orders, as may best correspond with the Intentions of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty in the said Instructions expressed; Or which may prove in the intermediate Time requested to be commenced. 

The Arrangement for the Secret Expedition, the Object of which has only been communicated to the King's Commissioners, and Commodore Hotham, in such Parts as relate to his particular Concern therein;² And the Appointment of the Frigates to be sent to England, in the Number and of the Classes directed, must remain for subsequent Consideration when the Circumstances and purpose of the French Squadron have been better ascertained. 

The Amazon, Tartar and Brune,³ are three of the Frigates I propose to be first sent to England, when it is necessary or may be convenient to take any conclusive Steps in that part of the General Arrangement. I have the Honor to be Sir, [&c.]