Sir,

It appearing by the Representation of the Naval Officer onboard the Lord Amherst Ordnance Transport, now at Portsmouth, (Copy of which is enclosed) that the said Ship is so well armed & manned, & in all respects so capable of def ending herself against any Naval Force of the Rebels which there is any probability she may meet with, that Lord George Germain thinks it unnecessary to detain her for Convoy, especially as the Stores she has onboard are much wanted at the Places of her Destination; and I have accordingly, by His Lordship's Directions, acquainted the Board of Ordnance that she is to proceed immediately to Sea without Convoy: And altho' the Lord Townshend is also a stout Ship, and there would be but little Hazard of her meeting with any Rebel Vessels of superior Force; nevertheless, as there can be no immediate Want of her Stores at New York, & a Convoy will sail for that Place in a short time, Lord George Germain thinks it proper for her to wait for it; and I have, by His Lordship's Directions acquainted the Board of Ordnance that she is to do so; of which you will be pleased to inform the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty.

His Lordship has further directed me to desire you will acquaint their Lordships, that, understanding the Lord Amherst is engaged by the Board of Ordnance for Eighteen Months, and conceiving she may be usefully employed in the West Indies, after she has delivered her Stores, either in Cruizing, or as a Convoy to the homeward bound Ships from Jamaica, or Pensacola; I have by his Lordship's Directions desired the Board of Ordnance to instruct the Master to apply to Rear Admiral Gayton, before his Departure from Jamaica, for Orders for his further Proceeding, after he shall have delivered the Stores at Pensacola, and to direct him to obey such Orders as he shall receive accordingly; of which you will likewise be pleased to acquaint their Lordships, and to move them to send Rear Adml Gayton such Instructions, as their Lordships shall think proper respecting the said Ship. I am &ca.