(Copy)

I wrote the 6^th. off S^t. Marys¹ to inform your Excellency Captain Fanshawe² had ordered the Galatea to remain upon this Coast in order to prevent an Armed Force said to be advancing by the inland Navigation to the Southward.

That she might be of effectual Service from the intelligence I could collect, Frederica appeared to be the place where she might best Act to Annoy them, accordingly the 13^th Instant we got in over the Bar, and anchored in Frederica Sound³ where I learnt their two Galleys had been to steal Cattle, about a week since, but from what the Inhabitants say, they only remained twenty four hours, and then returned to the Northward.—A Lieutenant from one of them deserted with two Negroes, and he got on board the Rebecca at S^t. Marys, but the Negroes left him, Mowbray⁴ brought him to me at this place, the information he gives is, that they are weakly Maned, and in bad Condition[.]

I have sent Lieutenant Ellis⁵ up to the Town, and the Rebecca accompanyed to secure the North end of the Island, and the Fort which commands the River and Town,⁶ the Galatea laying about Seven Miles from it, Yesterday I went up to view it, part of the Walls have been pulled down by the Rebels, when they took the Mortars &c away, but it might be easily put into that state of defence to be maintained with a very small force, and two Eighteen or Twenty four pounders in it, I am clear would prevent all the strength they can send from passing by the inland Navigation to the Southward.

I have since thought it proper to send Lieutenant Ellis on as far as Sapelo, to see if any thing can be done with their Gallies, and to assist Colonel Brown,⁷ if he meets with any impediment on his return, and give me leave to congratulate your Excellency on his late success in reducing Fort Barrington—I found his Surgeon with a few wounded at Frederica—

The little Schooner I propose to dispatch tomorrow, as the best Conveyance for them, and this information, but must request your Excellency will send her back to me, as we shall find her of the utmost use here.

I have the Honor to be &c

NB. I have sent my Sick which are numerous to M^r. Martin's House at Jekyl Island and Providence could not have conducted them to a more favourable place.