Bristol at Spithead 18th Decr 1775
Sir
I came Here Yesterday Evening at Six O'Clock, and His Majesty's Ship the Bristol, anchored at Spithead about the same Time; I have this Morning Hoisted my Broad Pendant on Board of Her, and have taken the Deal Castle and Sphynx under my Command, and shall get ready to proceed with Them, as soon as possible.
The Boreas, Actaeon and Thunder Bomb, will I Hope Sail to Morrow Evening or Wednesday Morning, and I expect to follow Them the next Day.
I shall Order Captain [John] Morris to receive on Board the Bristol the Deputy Pay Master Mr Molesworth together with His Cash, Servants and Baggage, &c and also Earl [Charles] Cornwallis with Attendants, Servants and Baggage ー I am Sir [&c.]