My Grandfather who is laid up with the Gout and unable to write, directs me to acknowledge the Receipit of your Letters of the 2d. & 30th. of last Month; & to inform you, that he is extremely sorry for your Misfortune, but that he cannot possibly undertake to sollicit that Government to give you the Command of the Terpsicore or any other Vessel whatever—He has already been brought into so many Difficulties by making Such Requests, that he has resolved never more to have any thing to do with such Business: In which he is totally ignorant.

He has however desired a Friend to write to Dunkerq[ue] to enquire whether there ie any Armateur there, who has a good Vessel, & Who is in want officers and Men to equip her As soon as he is acquainted with the Result of this Enquiry, he will let you know it.

I have the honour to be, Sir, your most h. S.