Preston Boston 19 decem 1774
Sir
I had the Honor of your Excellency's letter of yesterday Morning the Supernumerary Marines serving in His Majesty's Squadron under my Command may be landed as soon as their Quarters are ready, that they may be disciplined in a manner to enable them to act on shore with the rest of His Majestys Troops.
When Major [John] Pitcaime reports to me that Quarters are in all respects ready for the reception of the Marines, I will order them to be landed, And agreeable to my directions from My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, will order them to be victualed from the Ships of the Squadron until! they are sent to such a distance as not to be able to receive Subsistence from them. I am Sir with great regard Your Excellency's [&c.]