I am this moment honoured with your Excellency’s note.

The moment it is in my power, I will send the gentlemen you wish for to you; but I am alone, and unable to act for want of the necessary assistants, except in a very limited degree.

Capt. Spiller (you may recollect) was ordered below, to secure the arms in the Isle of Wight and Southampton. I have appointed Mr. Bourk to the particular care of the arms at Westham; but little can be done at present towards selecting, or putting in order.

I have heard nothing of Mr. Anderson, nor indeed do I know where any of the gentlemen you wish to see are.

This place is in the utmost confusion. Plunderers of our own have been very mischievous; perhaps more so than the enemy. Considerable public stores will be recovered; some are, but it is difficult indeed to secure them. I will exert myself to the utmost, but fear I can’t produce that degree of benefit for the state, that will give me satisfaction.

Expresses I will want, and be unable fully to procure. Perhaps your Excellency’s presence here, will be of signal service if in your power to come.

I have the honour to be your Excellency’s most Ob Sert.,