English Harbour Antigua, the 1st July 1776.
Sir.
I entreat you will be pleased to acquaint my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that on the 22d June last died here, The Honble Robert Christian Esqre Judge of the Court of Admiralty for the Island of Antigua, and that I take leave to recommend to their Lordships favour The Honble Edward Byam Esqre of this Island, to Succeed the late Mr Christian as Judge of the Court of Admiralty. I can with great justice and propriety assure their Lordships that Mr Byam is every way qualified for the Employment was Surrogate to Mr Christian during his Sickness, and has since obtained the temporary Appointment from the Commander in Chief of these Islands for the time being: He is also a Member of the Kings Council, Treasurer of the Island, and a Gentleman very much Esteemed by the Inhabitants. I am Sir [&c.]