Philip Stephens, Secretary of the British Admiralty, to Vice Admiral Samuel Graves, No. 1, January 28, 1775

My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having received a Letter from Lieutenant [Henry] Colins, Commander of the Magdalen Schooner at Philadelphia, desiring that when their Lordships shall think it convenient for His Majesty's Servie to order a Schooher from those Parts, the above may be ordered home, as his private affairs require his presence in England; I am commanded by their Lordships to send you herewith a Copy of the said Letter, and to acquaint you that the said Schooner cannot be sent to England meerly to accomodate the Lieutenant, but that if his private affairs render it absolutely necessary for him to come to England, their Lordships have no objection to your permitting him to resign the Command of the Schooner, and appointing another Officer to her in his room. I am &c