Letter from Sir Edward Hawke, Bloomsbury Square, to an unidentified recipient, 1769 July 31 : autograph manuscript signed.

Explaining why he will be unable to offer a promotion to a person being recommended by the recipient; saying "...at this time we have so large a list of Lieut's upon half-pay who are desirous of being employ'd, and so few Ships or Vessells to employ them in, being a profound peace, that puts it entirely out of My power to oblige your Lordship, in promoting your Young Man. I can assure your Lordship for a fact, that scarce a day passes, but I receive Solicitations from one person or another, to promote Officers of All Ranks;" saying he will add the name of the person he is recommending to the List for preferment and "...will take the first opportunity that shall offer when any promotion shall be made to serve him. This is all I can do now, therefore I shall trust your Lordship will not impute My not complying with your request, to any other cause, than that of my being really not able to do it."