We arrived here in seven weeks and three days from Spithead. The general passage of the rest of the fleet was from twelve to eighteen weeks. The ships and cargoes suffered much, and several of them are still missing. Provisions are very dear. The Provincials have several privateers on the coast, and have taken some of our store ships; they took two ships from Corke with provisions on the 25th inst. 2
1. London Chronicle, March 14 to March 16, 1776.
2. The Happy Return and the Norfolk, taken by John Manley.
