(Copy)
Sir

From the Letter of Lieut Starke a Copy of which I sent you a few Days ago you will see the distressed situation which we may eventually be in in case the two Vessels Mr Stark mentions, should fall into the Rebels [hands] nearly all the others having been disarmed I trust therefore you will see the necessity of sending mean Officer with as many Seamen as you can possibly spare I need not tell you that if you should think there would be no impropriety in coming yourself it would be extreamly agreeable to me.

I cannot however avoid expressing my Astonishment at the fear intimated by Lt Stark that his Vessels may possibly fall into the Hands of the Rebels as even if the Misfortune was to happen which he says would put him in that danger. He still would have it in his power to destroy the Vessels which is what might naturally be expected from a Gallant & Zealous Officer situated as Lt Stark is.

I send a Dispatch for Ld George to Mr Cramahé to be delivered to you & beg it may be sent by the first opportunity &c