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intelligence, underline it /underline must be sought for, by sending a frigate or two, off Cape Francois, and from the information the commanding officer receives, the conduct of the squadron must be guided

I always wish, & mean to be perfectly explicit and unreserved, in any opinion, I might be asked for, and never to shrink from it, and am therefore willing upon every occasion to give it from under my hand; and as I cannot see any real advantage can arise to the Kings service to arise from my remaining in this Post, and a underline great deal may /underline by my going to sea as it will give a chance, not only for intercepting the Enemy’s ships from Portsmouth, but such as may be coming from Europe, to Boston I cannot help repeating my wish, to follow you from hence as soon as possible. But if you think otherwise I beg to submit to your consideration, whether it would not be advisable for the ships you intended to leave, under my command, to remain at Staten Island, untill within two or three days of the time you propose I shall sail, in order to keep their water complete, with the greater ease & convenience which is a material circumstance to be attended to.

I am Dear Sir &C

Hood

Admiral Pigot