Sir

I receiv'd yours of date 11^th Decem^r: last acquainting me that the Stores demanded, are to be sent by the Hornet; Inclos'd I send you some other Demands His Majesty's Ship under my Command being much distress'd for want of Stores; I have Careen'd and Sheathed His Majesty's Sloop West Florida, and the Carpenter, reports to me that she will not run longer than six months except she gets a New bottom, I have given M^r: Burdon¹ Orders to proceed to the Lakes,² agreeable to your Orders... The Florida is now on the Careen but the Carpenters find her so Rotten that she cannot proceed to Sea, till she gets a thorough repair which cannot be done at this Port, I have Ordered them to put in the Planks which was taken out in Order, to examine her, and have inclos'd their report to you,³ and should be glad to know how I am to Act respecting her and think it necessary to inform you that a Vessel cannot be bought at this Place fit for the Surveying Service.

The late Boatswain and Gunner of the Atalanta are Dead, and I have appointed John Chambers to Act as Boatswain and Will^m: Handy to Act as Gunner, till I have your further Orders, they are both diligent and Sober Men, and should be very happy to have them appointed, in the room of the former if you think proper. I have appointed M^r: David M^c:Cullugh to Act as Surgeons Mate of His Majesty's Sloop West Florida, and inclose you the Surgeons report of his Quallifications. Inclos'd you will receive Demands, for, Boatswains, Gunners, and Carpenters, Stores, and likewise a Demand for Muster Paper, and the State and Condition of His Majesty's Sloop Atalanta, West Florida, and Florida.

I expect M^r: Burdon will sail to morrow, he was detained some days waiting for Hands from the Daphne. I am Sir [&c.]

A Coppy
Clark Gayton