Chelsea 2d July 1794 (1795)

Dear Sir

I have wrote You Since my arrival suggesting my chagrin at Mr Chews drawing on Me for 96.17 (pounds) Stg instead of remitting and of my too well founded suspicions that the profits I made by my commercial speculations are in much jeopardy of being protested occasioned by the alarming calamities of Grenada(.) When I returned I found that certain persons who if I mistake not distained Loudly against the [ ] of Black Corps have been [g----tted] for Regiments.

I never reported my Return; being in consequence of provincial Rank unknown at the War Office, nor did I solicit for one of the five Black Regiments to be raised; because first I believed I could not have succeeded -- Secondly I think much difficulty will attend the raising of them. Were G[reat] Britain on cordial terms with the States(,) Such a corps might speedily be formed and I would like to command; if apparently it would be productive of profit & reputation.

My Commission dated oct. 93 signed by the King & countersigned H [Saunders?] is to command a Black Corps -- raised or to be raised -- I hope my pay will continue & be drawn in the West Indies altho’ the [ ] is nearly exterminated; if not, I suppose I must [ ] to my half pay.

I have lately received letters from My Son from Tobago May 10th(.) Two Lieutenants are only older for so disagreeable is the war that a Lieut of some standing has deserted. Lately I agreed to purchase of Col Stewart a Company in the 22; but in consequence of General orders it was necessary to have him recommended by Lord Amherst(?) who replyed that it depended on Genl Vaughan & by the same post deserted(.) Ross & ogilvie to order my Son (on a supposition that He was at our fireside) immediately to Join his Regiment. This day I have written to Col Mailland(?) & Ye Adt General & He also Receives a Letter from his Friend Gen. Fisher Aj. Of the West Indies requesting his assistance to enable my Son to purchase a Company in an old Regiment provided He can obtain it at the Regulation; and be [ ] of the Break. I have transmitted a Copy of the Letter to My Son, together with Your very generous & enlightened remarks on his future conduct and certain I am that He will receive them with that respect and attention which they so justly merit. In a word I hope he will succeed in his purchase which in my(?) view...