Sir,

My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having, in their General Instructions of the 14th of last Month, observed to you that Rear Admiral Shuldham had been apprized of the Expedition on which you are employed and the grounds on which it was adopted; I have it now in Command from their Lordships to acquaint you that the Triton, which was to carry the Dispatches containing the said Information and sailed from Plymouth the 21st of Novemr, had the misfortune, on the 14th of last Month having got 450 Leagues to the Westward, to lose all her Masts in a hard gale of Wind, and in consequence thereof is returned to that Port; by which their Lordships are obliged to send her Dispatches by the Milford which is yet at Spithead, but under Orders to sail as soon as the wind will permit.

From this Misfortune it is to be doubted whether the Reinforcement which Rear Adml Shuldham was ordered to send to assist in your Operations, can arrive by the time you may expect it; but their Lordships have recommended it to him, upon the arrival of the Milford, to give such immediate Orders with respect to the said Reinforcement as he finds to be most effectual to His Majesty's Service.

I am & ca

[Endorsed] Sent by the Active at Portsmo Duplicate sent to Corke