The very friendly and polite reception I have experienced from Lord Botetourt, and the ease and satisfaction with which I have passed these last four weeks within the circle of his Lordships hospitality together with a short respite from the affairs of government have not only greatly re-established my health but allowed me leisure to reflect on the motives that led me to this continent. These I shall candidly state to your Lordship in the hopes that they may be laid before his Majesty.

One grand principle of my offering my service in America flowed from a wish to be placed in a situation in which I might render my public services more beneficial to my Royal Master than my station in the Guards would probably allow me to do in time of peace. Another motive was that if happily I could, by a diligent discharge of my office answer the purposes of it, I flattered myself it would recommend me to the King's indulgent consideration in my military line. The first of these objects I have amply obtained by his Majestys most gracious approbation of my public conduct signified to me both by your Lordship and the Earl of Shelburn. The fruits of the latter I can only hope for from his Majestys most gracious favor, but upon that I must entirely depend, as the Earl of Halifax told me (while Secretary of State) on my departure from England that he had it in command from the King to assure me I should receive no prejudice in my military rank, while employed in his service in America. If therefore in his Majestys goodness I might be appointed one of his Aid De Camps or receive a regiment through his royal bounty, in either case I should be gratefully happy. But if a regiment should be my fortune, my unwearied duty would

Permit me my Lord to request the favor of you to lay this letter at his Majestys feet and to support it with your Lordships good offices, which will infinitely oblige,