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My Lord

His Majesty's Ships Greyhound and Vulture belonging to your Squadron, having been drove off the Coast of America, put into this Island; the former much Damaged, which has been repaired as well as we can do it here; the Latter proved very Sickly and will I fear leave some of her Men behind.

I detained the Greyhound to Convoy some Victuallers and Store Ships from Europe to Philadelphia, and New York; who according to Custom make this Island their Route to America, most of them without any apparent reason of distress; but all of them having Letters of Marque become Cruizers instead of proceeding on their Voyage which has now happened with some of these, who had Success,and knowing this a better market for their Prizes come here; this I apprehend will always be the Case so long as Government Continue giving them Letters of Marque and I doubt not were these Transports Suffered to go from hence alone, they would, if Successful return back; I have therefore put them under the Charge of Captain Dickson¹ of the Greyhound accompanied by the Vulture in Order to prevent their doing so.—I have likewise sent prisoners (on board the VuIture One Edgcumbe late a Midshipman belonging to the Hinchenbrooke Schooner (who I am Informed deserted from said Schooner, and carried off with him some others of the Company; also a Boat, and some Arms.) He was taken in an American Privateer Schooner of Twelve Guns and forty Men from Savanna in Georgia;² Acting as first Lieutenant on board said Privateer. Lieutenant Douglas³ who Commanded His Majesty's armed Brigantine Antigua; when she took the aforemamed Privateer, knew Edgcumbe well: whilst a Midshipman in One of the Kings Guard Shipsat Plymouth, I have therefore sent him to your Lordship to be dealt with as you may think proper; I have also sent some others of the Company of the Privateer, that were taken with him, in Order to prove Edgcumbes being first Lieutenant of the Privateer; I am with great Regard.—My Lord [&c.]