I have the honor to acknowledge your Excellency’s esteem’d Favo’r Of the 17th Instant, and shall take every necessary precaution & make every necessary Provision for their Reception, shou’d the Enemy bend their Force this way—In my last I had the Hono’r to inform your Excellency, (which I presume you have before this recievd,) that the Fleet which was the Subject of your Excellency’s enquiry was laden with wood.1 I have the Honor to remain with the most exalted Sentiments of Regard Yr Excellencys, most obedient & very humble Servant