Cow-Ford St John River 8th Decembr 75
Copy
Sir The Accounts sent by Sir James Wright made us come to the immediate determination, that the St Lawrence should proceed without delay to St Augustine to refit, in order to repair with all speed to the Assistance of Lord William Campbell and His Majesty's Ships in the Harbour of Charlestown. In a few hours after the receipt of Sir James Wrights Accounts I had intelligence from St Mary that a rebel Cruiser was off this Bar, which was coroborated by several Circumstances from St Augustine, of a Vessel having appeared in sight from the Look Out, for sundry Days always making off from the Coast when the Pilot boat went out These appearances have made it a General received Opinion that this rebel Vessel is cruizing to intercept His Majesty's Schooner St Lawrence, and other Vessels employed in the Service at this time for the purpose of meeting with the Creek Indians.
Upon the last Intelligence, it became requisite to detain His Majesty's Schooner to protect the meeting with the Creek Indians. Which must have been defeated, had any Rebel armed Vessel entered the River in her absence. It also became our duty to give you Sir in His Majesty's Schooner such Assistance as was in our power, and as you think it may be of real Benefit to His Majesty's Service to embark on board the St Lawrence under your Command a part of the Detachment of His Majesty's 14 Regiment on the Indian Service, and the remainder on board the Provincial Vessel in order to attend you and render such Service as may be within her power, I have therefore directed the Detachment to be embarked accordingly with which Assistance I flatter myself from your knowledge of His Majestys Navy, and your Experience in it that the best Effects may arise. I cannot put an end to this Letter without my Acknowledgements of Thanks for the great Service His Majesty's Schooner under your Command has been of to this Meeting with the Creek Indians and shall be glad of an opportunity to testify that I am &ca
[Endorsed] East Florida Copy To Captain Graves of His Majestys Schooner Saint Lawrence 8 Decr 75 In Govr Tonyn's (No 37) of 14 Jany 1776 (1)