Sir

You will be pleased to acquaint their Lordships that I sailed from Plymouth the 18th of April with Eight Sail of Merchant Vessels. under my Convoy, and arrived here the 9th of May and found only the Bonavista Armed Sloop here. Captain Harvey in the Martin being on a Cruise after a Privateer reported to be on the Coast. He returned the day after my Arrival but had not seen any thing of the Privateer he went out to look for; On the 14th of May Captain Fotheringham arrived in the Fox, having seen his Convoy safe into their different Ports; On the 16th following Captain Linzee arrived in the Surprize and brought with him a large American Schooner with 220 Hogsheads of Tobacco onboard from Virginia, bound to Bourdeaux.

I am sorry to inform their Lordships that the Surprize continues very Sickly; having the same Fever onboard, she had last Year.

The Squirrel arrived the 19th of May with the three Victuallers under her Convoy, and as she sailed from England under the Command of Mr Chamberlayne first Lieutenant of the Romney by my order, I have ap­ pointed Captain Harvey of the Martin to the Squirrel; and have given Lieutenant Chamberlayne a Commission to Command the Martin until their Lordships pleasure be known.

Agreeable to their Lordships order I have purchased a Vessel in the room of the Quebec (which will be sold as unserviceable) and have appointed Mr Thomas Revil Shivers to be Lieutenant of her, all which I hope their Lordships will be pleased to approve.

On the 13th Inst the Pegasus arrived from Ireland, having seen her Convoy safe into their several Ports. The Active is not yet arrived.

It gives me real concern to acquaint their Lordships that by a Letter I rec'd the 10th Inst from Captain Fotheringham of the Fox, I am informed that on Saturday the 7th Inst He fell in with two American Privateers on the Banks of Newfoundland (where he was Cruising for the protection of the Fishery) one named the Hancock of 32 Guns, 347 Men, Commanded by —— Manly, the other called the Boston of 28 Guns (but number of Men unknown) commanded by  —— McNeal, and after an Engagement of one hour ahd half the Fox was taken. Captain Fotheringham also informs me his Lieutenant of Marines (Mr Napier) was kill'd, with two others, and Ten Wounded; after the Fox was taken, the Rebels sent the greatest part of the Seamen and Marines into Saint Johns, in two Fishing Vessels they had taken on the Banks, but have taken all the Officers with them.

Inclosed I transmit you the Affidavits of two persons, one belonging to the Fox; the other was Master of a Vessel they had taken and burnt.² I am also sorry to inform their Lordships that as the number of Privateers now Cruising on the Banks is greater than the Ships under my command, and some of them of Superior force, that unless my Squadron is reinforced, I fear it will not be in my power to Checque the Havock these Depredators are making among the Fishermen.

I have sent to Vice Admiral Lord Howe to assist me with two Frigates during the Fishing season, which I hope his Lordship will comply with.

Agreeable to their Lordships Order when I was in London, I acquainted the Navy Board that the Martin and Spy· Sloops; as well as the armed Vessels that Wintered here, would want a Supply of twelve Months Stores of all Species, and that each of the Sloops would also want a complete suit of Sails, and flattered myself they would have complied with my request, and have sent them out in the Victuallers; but am sorry to say that as they have not been pleased to comply with my Letter the Martin was almost rendered useless, and but for the supplies from other Ships she could not have gone to Sea. And notwithstanding the Spy sent Home a Demand, even that was not complied with, which has obliged me to purchase Stores here at an extravagant price before they could proceed on Service.

Herewith I inclose you the State and Condition with the Destination of the Squadron under my Command, and am [&c.]

[Endorsed] Rd 21 July by Mr Jeffery of Pool. 23 July Send Extract to N Bd & desire them to give Their Ldps the reasons or excuses for not sending the Stores demanded. Ansd 24 July by the Monarch.