Letter from Rear-Adm. Lord Hood to General Jacob de Budé commenting on Prince William's assignment to the 'Barfleur', agreeing that a suitable associate should be appointed to him but not entirely approving of Adm. Digby's choice (of Capt. Napier) and remarking that he has as yet received no instructions from Digby, and also enclosing copies of correspondence between himself and Adm. Pigot [0723], reporting that a change in his orders meant that he has remained at New York, assuring de Bude of the good relations between himself and Pigot, and noting in a postscript the force under his command.
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Barfleur New York Octr 31st. 1782 My dear General I give you a thousand thanks for your very obliging letters by the August & Septr. Pacquets, and feel myself most honorably distinguished by the Mark of confidence and favour, the King is graciously pleased to give me, in placing Prince William on board the Barfleur I am well aware of how very important the charge is, as well as of my being unequal to it, but of this my dear General you may be assured, that I will be diligent and attentive to His Royal Highnesses well doing in every respect, to supply in the best Manner I am able the want of Ability, and what I receive from Admiral Digby and Mr Majendie, will be a great guide to me I agree most perfectly with you, that it would be highly usefull to Prince William, to have a Leiutenant of character, judgement, and skill in his profession, and not greatly beyond His Royal Highnesses Years, as an associate, friend & adviser; but if Admiral Digby could not find one to his mind, it would not I think have been amiss, for the Admiral to have left the naming of such an officer to me; indeed I am free to confess, that from the observations I have been able to make and which I have done with a very attentive eye, that i would have been rather better. Admiral Digby’s sending a Captain with the Prince does not fully meet my approbation, and I candidly said so, both to the Admiral & Mr. Majendie, but at the same time told the former, I should readily receive whomsoever he should think proper to send, though wished him to consider well before he took his final resolution Captain Napier is the officer, I believe the Admiral has pitched upon, he is I am persuaded a man of much integrity & honor, and one I may safely confide in; but I am anxious, that in the officer of integrity should be added a strong and lively understanding with some knowledge of the world; such a person is [[catchword]] I [[/catchword]]
