Portland, English Harbour, Antigua 26th Novemr
Sir
Please to acquaint my Lords Commissioners [of] the Admiralty; that I received by the Packet, which arrived [on] the 14th Instant; Their Orders Dated the 2nd Septemr last, and your Letter in Addition, dated the 6th Septemr and pursuant thereto, have given Orders to the respective Captains of the Squadron under my Command, to act strictly in [con]formity to said Orders: Copies of which Orders I have [enc]losed for their Lordships inspection.
I have likewise transmitted herewith; The State and Condition, and the Disposition of the Kings Ships under my Command; and flatter myself their Lordships will approve of said Orders & Disposition; and will perceive [ther]eby, (and from the representation made in my Letter to you, Dated the 30th August last.) how very necessary it will be to send an Additional Number of Ships to this very [Exte]nsive Station, also, that it will be necessary to [reli]eve the Lynx Sloop, in the next Spring; that she may [hav]e a Summer Passage to England; the badness of her [Cond]ition, rendering her unfit to go at any other time.
As the October Packet is expected here, in a short time; [and] may bring Dispatches of Consequence from their Lordships; I shall remain here in the Portland [to await] her Arrival; and shall immediately afterwards, proceed to visit the different Islands, within the limits of my Station. ー
I have likewise inclosed a Letter I received from Mr John Hay, Marine Officer on board the Pomona Sloop; applying for leave to serve as a Volunteer in America: As I think him adeserving Young Man and his inclination to serve in America, Commend[able,] I therefore wish, their Lordships may be pleased to grant his request. I am Sir [&c.]