Sir

Please to acquaint my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty; that the 6th Instant I received a Letter from Mr John Plumer Ardesoif 1st Lieutenant of His Majesty's Ship Argo: Containing sundry Complaints against Francis Grant Gordon Esqr Captain of His Majesty's Ship Argo, "of Embezzling the Ships Stores; and treating him (the said Lieutenant Ardesoif)² with Cruelty & Oppression &ca" and He requested, I would bring Captain Gordon to tryal by [a] Court Martial for said Offences. ー I accordingly Suspended Captain Gordon from Command of the Argo; and Summoned a Court Martial for his tryal, onboard the Portland, the 20th Novemr Instant; (being as soon as I could Collect the Ships of the Squadron together for that purpose,) when the Court met, and finding part of the Charge proved against Captain Gordon; Ad judged him, to be dismissed from the Command of His Majesty's Ship Argo; and to be Mulcted, Six Months of his personal Pay. I have herewith inclosed [the] Minutes of said Court Martial, and the Sentence thereon; to be laid before their Lordships.

You will also please to acquaint their Lordships, that in Consequence of said Sentence, and the dismission of Captain Gordon from the Command of the Argo; I have appointed Captain William Garnier to Command the Argo, Captain Henry Bryne (of the Pomona) to Command the Hind, and Lieutenant William Young, to Command the Pomona. I have also removed Lieutenant William Swiney (of the Pomona) to be third Lieutenant of the Portland, in the room of Lieutenant William Young, preferred; and have appointed Mr Arthur Hood, to be Lieutenant of the Pomona. I am Sir [&c.]