My Lord.

As the Senegal's Water is nearly expended, I am obliged to send Her to New York.

I joined the Phoenix at Her Rendezvous the 5th of last month, and we proceeded immediately into this Bay, and put back Nineteen Sail out of twenty three that were without Cape Henry.

The Raleigh arrived the 14th at Night, the Phoenix Sailed the next Day.

The Thames is Stationed off York Spit at present, & the 1st instant She made the Signal for seeing Ships of Superior force, I got under Sail with the Raleigh, but as the Wind was dowri, and Tide of Ebb; I could only Anchor in a better situation for Her to join me; in the Evening she got under Sail, and came down about half the distance she was from me, and next Morning join'd Company. Captain Howe delivered me a paper with a List of the Armed Vessels, and their situations, which paper² I inclose to your Lordship, and Ordered him back to his Station: the Senegal was stationed at Cape Charles, (and distroyed Six Vessels, which Captain Molloy will give Your Lordship an Account of,) with the Raleigh occasionally, who is now to continue there, as long as Her Water will last; of which She has not much on board. This Ship is at the Tail of the Horse Shoe, and the 17th, 19th & 20th in June, three Sloops and One Schooner Boat, came down with Ninety Eight of the people; that were to have gone in the Albion, which I gave Passes to, to go to New York.

The 24th we burnt a Sloop with Salt, and the 30th the Raleigh with My Boats, drove on Shore, and burnt a French Brig, a little way to the South­ ward of Cape Henry, Loaded with Sails Cordage, One Hundred Cask of Rum & Bale Goods.

The 8th a Small Schooner Boat escaped us all across the Middle Ground; at Day Light this Morning, Seven Vessels was observed in the offing; the Senegal, Raleigh and this Ship, gave Chace and took Five, they had passed us in the Night, and were bound to the French Islands.

It is with great concern, I am obliged to send Captain Molloy away, He has been pointedly attentive and Serviceable upon his Station.

The State and Condition of the Ships under my Command, I have the Honour of transmitting to Your Lordship. I am My Lord [&c.]

P.S.

I have just heard the Raleigh has lost two Anchors, therefore fear she must be burnt, indeed it is almost certain, as we cannot spare Officers and Men to carry her to York. The Thames must now be brought down, and at present I think of sending Her of Smiths Island; and Guard this place as well as we can ourselves, otherwise Cape Charles Channal will be unguarded, andthenallthesmallVesselswillescapethatway.

There are very many both great and Small ready to push to Sea.

 Emerald off the Capes of Virginia 10th July 1777

My Lord

Since I Sealed my Letter Captain Molloy has offered to assist the Raleigh to New York, I therefore have sent Her to refit which she is in much want of. I am My Lord [&c.]

B.C.