[Extract]

There have not arrived any Troops since my last by the Tartar Frigate leaving th[is] the 16th Inst, but the Store Ships as pr Margin ² have got in with most seasonable Supplies, alth[ough] the live Stock met with worse Fate than could have been suspected from the great Care that has been taken...

I have also; on Consultation with the Admiral, ordered two Transports to be fitted out with the utmost Dispatch, to sail under Convoy of the Scarborough Man of War and two armed Schooners, with Directions to have them loaded with Rice at Savannah by the Assistance of Sir James Wright: And if in going or returning they should fall in with any Ships, having a Quantity of this Article on board, the Captain of the Scarborough will have Orders to seize and send them here for the Use of the Garrison, Navy, and Inhabitants. In these Ships I propose sending 200 Marines under the Command of a Field Officer, and in the whole of this Proceeding I trust I shall have your Lordship's Sanction, being guided by Motives arising from my Regard to the Interest and Necessity of His Majesty's Service.