Sir

As there appears to me a necessity for sending one of His Majesty's Ships to New York to protect the Persons and Property of His Majesty's trading Subjects, and to assist and co-operate with the Lieutenant Governor against the designs of those who are acting in open Violation of the Laws, I have appointed Captain [George] Vandeput of His Majesty's Ship Asia to this Service; but in the low state his Ship's Company from the Mode of manning her at Home and from deaths and desertions since her arrival, I cannot venture to send her to New York without compleating the Marines, at least, to the War Complement  I shall therefore be obliged to you Excellency to order a Detachment of fifty private Marines (if possible of the Portsmouth Division) together with a Captain, One Serjeant and one Corporal, to embark on board the Asia any day this Week your Excellency pleases. I have the honor to be with great respect and regard Sir [&c.]