Bristol Port Royal Jamaica 15th. Feby. 1778
Sir
I sailed from Rhode Island in the Bristol the 15th. of last Month—the 5th. instant I called off English Harbour, and by Desire of Vice Admiral Young went in There that Evening, and proceeded the Morning following with the Nottingham Ordnance Ship,1 and the Eliza a Ship in Ballast, which brought out Naval Stores for the Squadron at Antigua—I arrived with Them Here the 13th. instant, and shall agreeable to Their Lordships orders, take upon me the Command of His Majesty's Ships on this Station, as soon as Vice Admiral Gayton Sails for England—I am Sir [&c.]
P: Parker
L, UkLPR, Adm. 1/241. Addressed at foot: "Philip Stephens Esq." Endorsed by Stephens: "Read."
1. Ship Nottingham, L. Bowden, master, 600 tons burthen, mounting 28 guns, owned by Durand & Co., built in 1764. Lloyd's Register of Ships, 1777-1778.