Cowford St Johns River 11th July [1]778
[Extract] Sir
By the Honorable Capt. Elphinstone of his Majesty's Ship Perseus1 I had the honor to receive on the 9th instant your Excellency's dispatches of 12th- May 3rd and 4th- June Ulto.. . . .
I cannot take upon me to say with certainty whether the Rebels will advance or not—if they do I think now that the Perseus and Otter2 are arrived to our assistance in guarding the coast I may venture to assure your Excellency that we shall preserve the Province until reinforcement's arrive when I hope we shall be able to attempt some thing further The Rebel land forces do not exceed from 2500 to 3000 Men—their Naval now near the mouth of St Marys consists of five Gallies two Flatts and two pettiaugers carrying about 30 pieces of Canon of from 18 to 4 pounders besides boats carrying Swivels some Small craft with Provisions and Stores, and Man'd in all with 350 Men. . . .
I have the honor to be [&c.]
A Prevost.
L, UkLPR, PRO 30/55, Gen. Sir Guy Carleton Papers, vol. 8, 1262; microfilm copy, ViW, British Headquarters Papers, vol. 8, 1262. Addressed at foot of first page: "His Excellency/Sir Henry Clinton Kt B./&a &a &a."
1. Capt. George Keith Elphinstone commanded H.M. frigate Perseus.
2. H.M. ship-rigged sloop-of-war Otter, Lt. John Wright, acting commander.
