Sir,

I herewith Inclose you a Copy of a letter I received from General [William] Howe² representing that, as the Transport Department which was already very extensive would during the Course of the ensuing Campaign be greatly increased, it was his Opinion it would be for his Majesty's Service that an Officer of Superior Rank to a Lieutenant should have the direction of the Other Agents; and Applying at the same time that Lieutenant [John] Bourmaster may be appointed a Master and Commander for that purpose.

In order therefore to Contribute every thing in my Power to the Success of the Operations of the Campaign I gave Lieutenant Bourmaster an Order to Command the Albany for a few days to give him Rank, and hope their Lordships will be pleased to Confirm him a Master and Commander in Consequence of the Generals request and my opinion of the propriety of the Measure. I am Sir [&c.]