Antigua 21st: December 1777.
(No: 3.)
Sir
I am to request you will be pleased to lay before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, the inclosed Copy of a Letter I received two days ago from Governor Shirley of Dominica,1 by which their Lordships will in some measure perceive the behaviour of the French, who have now in these Seas a 64 Gun Ship, and about Six large Frigates; and it is said a 74 Gun Ship is arrived with the last Troops that came from Europe to Martinica about Ten days since; they Cruize with their Frigates and say it is to protect their Trade; Two of them passed this Island last Week, with Eight or Nine Sloops and Schooners under their Convoy, all of which I apprehend to have been American Vessels and bound to the Continent; the French Frigates returned after seeing them clear of this Island. I hope if it was so; some of them may fall into our hands, as We have two or three Cruizers Stationed in their Track to America; if they should be so lucky to take any of them it will prove more fully the treacherous behaviour of the French, which I am sorry to say is at present in all respects very bad; and I do not doubt but they Cruize for the American Vessels in Order to make French bottoms of as many as they can meet at Sea; hitherto We have had no dispute with any of them on that score; but I think it very likely (if what I suspect is true) it will not be very long before it may happen between some of Our Cruizers and theirs; as I am told they talk in a high and menacing Strain.
Within the last Week I am informed five American privateers from Boston are arrived at the French Islands; and it is said are intended to Cruize to Windward of the Islands to intercept the Convoys expected soon to arrive at these Islands from England and Ireland, I shall therefore directly send the Yarmouth to Cruize to Windward of the Island Barbados to look out for the Trade that may be coming here from Europe; and as soon as the Seaford and Ariadne arrive (whom I expect daily) I will dispatch them on the same Service; as the safe Arrival of those Convoys will be of the utmost Consequence both to these Islands and the Squadron under my Command; for should they miscarry We shall soon be in want of Provisions, and are now in great want of Naval Stores of all kinds at the Kings Yard here.
I hope their Lordships will be pleased to send out more Ships to this Station, and some good going Ones; as the American Privateers very much Outsail Our Ships except the Ariadne and Portland; should any particular behaviour of the French in these Seas require immediate information to be sent home, I shall dispatch One of His Majestys Ships Express to England on the Occasion; In the mean time I flatter myself, their Lordships will believe that every thing in my power shall be done for the good of the Service, and to protect the different Islands and their Trade within the limits of my Command. I am [&c.]