[Extract]
No. 303
I enclose in this dispatch, Sir, the excerpts from the proceedings in both Houses of Parliament.
Precautionary measures were taken to the effect that all spectators had to leave before the votes were gathered so that we could not be present when the debate on the vote concerning the quota of sailors took place. But I learn from the Office that a quota of 28 thousand was voted. This number which increases the peace quota only by ten thousand is not considerable in order to effect great efforts. Their resources will be weak or they will have to resort to foreign ones. However it was said during the debate that there were 64 warships in America and 70 along the coasts of the three Kingdoms.
News from the Ports.
Plymouth The 20 workers who were to go to America had their orders countermanded. Non Such left dry dock. The Frigate Apollo is still in dry dock; she is in very poor trim and will need complete repairs. Centurion sailed for America. Chatham, Syren, Orpheus are in the Sound.
Portsmouth The frigates Triton, Active, Fox, Greyhound, Thetis and Sphynx are being fitted out.
The frigates named Juno, Pearl Seaford are in dry dock.
Up to now, all these frigates have few sailors for their crews.
The frigate Pallas is ready to leave port.
Action [Actaeon] is at Spithead awaiting orders.
There are also at Spithead six Guard ships and two in the port. The corvette Atalanta is cruising off the Island of Wight. Her captain has forbidden his crew to answer any ship. Her guns are inside and her gun-ports are closed. Her name on the stern is covered. She does not fly her commission pennant or give any indication of being a warship. Her destination is unknown.
Chatham The mortar galiot Racehorse is being commissioned. She is being sheathed.
The order has been given to requisition 22 transport ships for the Service of the King.
The ship Victory and the frigate Carysfort left dry dock. Isis as well as Emerald went into dry dock.
In Deptford, work is being done on the frigate Eolus with 32 guns and Galathea with 20.
