Hond Sir

I have the misfortune to Inform you that the Ship ² which was aground yesterday, floated this morning at 3 oClock and fell down about 2 milesfrom the neck which was a great mortification as we were that Instant throughing up a brest work to play on her with our field Eighteen pounders, as we had done the Evening before which am Confident did her much Damage, had the Gallies Came Down yesterday as I Expect[e]d they would, She might have been taken with all the Ease Imageneable, never was nor perhaps never will be again such a Prospect of Captureing a man of War in this Bay, it Greves me to the heart, to think after so much pains and fateague, Could not have the proper Assistance, from the Gallies, which I am Informd your honour ordered Down, which matter of their neglect I beg may be Enquired Into, as nothing Could have more Incourged the troops had the Ship been taken — I am Sr with the Greatist Esteem [&c.]