Yours of March 21st received. I have in my own private thoughts been very much displeased with the delays wch we have met with in the affair of the Exchange of prisoners. I had before the receipt of yours, made some strong remonstrances upon the Subject, and yesterday I went again to the Admiralty with my Complaints. Mr Stephens the Secretary did assure me, upon his honour, that the delays have been unavoidable; that the transport was beat back twice, or I think three times, between the Downs & Plymouth; that so far from any wish of delay that they had appointed a Lieutenant to command the Cartel ship, and not a trading owner, who might be tempted to make a job of delay. He gave such full assurances of the intentions of government, that I really hope that they mean to proceed with the quickest dispatch. You may be assured that I will do every thing in my power to press them on.— Every incident, both great and small, concurs in my opinion to make peace most desireable. I know full well that our wishes are in perfect unison, And I assure you that my thoughts & labours are constantly employed upon that subject. If any favorable moment shd happen, even of any chance of talking about peace, I am constantly upon the watch. The principles alone upon wch I shall act (if ever I shd have the opportunity of putting my good wishes in to action) are Confidence, certainty, National safety and honour.—Your affecte