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departure from hence drew near, and being thoroughly convinced I had no wish but for the good of the King's service, and of course for his honor and character, he asked my opinion, what was best to be done in his present situation, upon which I wrote him the letter you will herewith receive, and I also send you his answer The orders he gave me exactly corresponded with his letter: they are dated the 18th., and on the 23d, three days after the August pacquet arrived, [[underline]] that part [[/underline]] respecting my proceeding off Boston was annulled and I was directed to [[underline]] wait here [[/underline]] as long as it was proper for His Majesty's Squadron to remain upon the coast of North America This correspondence between the commander [[addition]] ^ in chief [[/addition]] & me, will I flatter myself full prove, that all I have done, has been exactly consonant to your wishes which I well know arise from zeal for our Royal Master's Service; and [[underline]] that [[/underline]] motive will strictly guide my actions upon every occasion. Admiral Pigot and I have lived upon the best terms possible; my sentiments have ever been delivered, without reserve, having no private views to gratify, and I believe the Admiral to be perfectly satisfied with me; for however I may have differed in opinion from him in some material points, I am constantly upon my guard to speak of him in a manner to keep up the [[addition]] ^ most [[/addition]] perfect Harmony in the Fleet, and you may rely upon it, more cordial unanimity and good humour never existed in any fleet, than that with one under Admiral Pigot's command ever my dear General & most affectionately yours Hood