(No 3:)
Sir
[Please to acquaint my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty that His Majesty's Sloop Otter is just refitted here, and Ordered to return to her former Station Pursuant to the Orders Captain Squire had received from the Viscount Howe. She is the Tenth of the American Fleet that has been Refitted here; I must therefore take leave to represent to their Lordships that such a Number are more than can be Refitted at this Yard on its present establishment; and they have very much distressed the Squadron employed here, under my Command; by keeping them back from being cleaned and Refitted at proper times.] the Number of Sick likewise put on shore from the American Ships incommoded us exceedingly; there being no proper Accomodations for them at the present temporary Hospital, nor any to be procured near the place; and it was with the greatest difficulty the Contractor at that time could· procure proper Refreshments for the Number of Sick: as I have repeatedly represented to their Lordships the Necessity there is strongly to reinforce the Squadron employed in these Seas; so I must now add if their Lordships are pleased to make such Aug mentation, it will be almost impossible to do more here, than keep them in Order; and their Complements of Men Compleat: the American Ships refitted here this Season, have also hurt us much in that respect, as I thought it for the good of the King's Service that they should go away full Manned, or even with more than their Complements: altho they came here generally very short: but this is a thing that cannot be done again: and we now feel a want of the Seamen, to Man the Ships their Lordships have Ordered me to purchase & Commission and to make up the losses of the Squadron by Death and Desertion: I therefore hope their Lordships will be pleased to take these matters in to Consideration and give Directions accordingly, I am Sir [&c.]
[Endorsed] No 3 Antegoa 12 June 1777 V. Ad: Young Rd 31 July.