Sir

In my last Letter of the 24th instt I acquainted you with the arrival of the Thunder Bomb Tender at Castle Haven, and His Majesty's Ship Sphynx at Kinsale, and sent, for their Lordships information, the Rendezvous I have appointed, which is from three to Ten Leagues So Wt from Cape Fear in North Carolina, with directions to make the Land every day. On Thursday evening the 25th instt His Majesty's Bomb Vessel the Carcass arrived here, since which time, it has blown so strong to So Et that we have not had any communication with the shore, and it now continues to blow from the same point, but more moderately ー I have received your Letter of the 13th instt signifying that their Lordships were much displeased with Lieutt Knowles, for having taken up the Clibborn without Orders, and leaving it to me, to continue, or discharge her, from the Service, as I may find it most adviseable. The Clibborn is taken up for six months certain, and is well fitted for a Transport, I shall therefore (as the Friendship is here and properly fitted to receive Troops) move those from on board the Clibborn into her, and give Lieutt Knowles Orders to direct the Master of the Clibborn to proceed as soon as possible to Spithead, giving immediate notice of his arrival to the Navy Board ー Captt Dring having reported to me, that the Lieutt of the Carcass Bomb, is left behind & absent without leave, I have appointed Mr. John Rickman (who has passed his Examination for a Lieutenant) to act as Lieutenant of her, 'till further Order. I am Sir [&c.]

[Minute of Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty]

Send a Commission for Lt Rickman for the Carcass The Marshall of the Admiralty to be ordered to apprehend the Lieut who has deserted from her in order that he may be tri'd Own rect & acqt Sir Peter Parker as above Lieut Jno Stoddart