Sir,

I beg leave to acquaint their Lordships that Yesterday His Majesty's Brig Badger arrived in a very leaky condition, and that I have order'd her to be inspected into to stop the Leaks. I also beg leave to acquaint their Lord­ships that when Captn [William] Judd was obliged to quit for his health, I gave Captn Thomas Davey, an Order to act as Captn of the Antelope, untill my further Orders, but not to quit his Sloop the Diligence untill I Knew whether it was their Lordships pleasure that my Nephew shou'd return to me, & he being teturn'd I beg leave to acquaint their Lordships that I have appointed Captn [Charles H.] Everitt to act as Captain of the Antelope, Lieut Michael Everitt of the Badger, to act as Master & Commander of her & Mr Manly Dixon Midshipman in the Badger, to act as Lieut of said Sloop untill their Lordships pleasure shall be known, and I have order'd Captn Davey of the Diligence to return to his Sloop, which I do not suppose he will be able to do as he is in bad health. I hope their Lordships will do me the Honor to confirm my two Nephews, Captn & Lieut Everitt & Mr Manly Dixson as I have appointed them. I likewise beg leave to acquaint their Lord­ships that I have sent a confirmed Commission to Mr [Richard] Hawford agreeable to their Order. I have to acknowledge the Receipt of yours of 8th July with the Act of Parliament relative to the Captures that are taken. I have also to acknowledge the Receipt of yours of same date owning the receipt of my public Letters dated in March April & May and am glad their Lordships approve of my Proceedings in my Duty; in Obedience to their Lordships Orders I have given Mr Thomas Hardy a confirmed Commission for the Winchelsea. I have likewise to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 8th July respecting my appointing Officers to any of Lord Viscount Howes Squadron that may be sent here, which I shall pay due obedience to, tho' I was determined (had I not received their Lordships Orders) not to put any Officers into the Ships of His Squadron that may be sent here to refit. I am with great respect Sir [&c.]

The Number of Rebel Vessels taken by His Majesty's Ships under my Command at present amounts to One hundred & Sixty two.

[Endorsed] Rd 10 Nov 1777