No. 19

I forward to you herewith copy of a letter which I have received
from the Office of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty and of the
answer which I have directed to be returned to it.

I regret that you should have felt any doubt about communicating
to the Admiral my instructions in a matter of so much importance to the
concert of the proper Military and Naval measures to be taken in a
critical emergency, and hearing upon decisions which have to be taken
by the Naval Commander in Chief. You will understand that it is your
duty to furnish him with a copy of the same for his information as well
as to communicate with him unreservedly on all matters requiring the
cooperation of the force under his order.