"My Lord,

"By the Stanley armed Brigantine under the Command of Lieutenant Whitworth, I take the Opportunity to acquaint your Lordship, that His Majesty's Ships Phoenix and Renown, belonging to your Squadron, are come into this Island in Distress; the former wanting Water, Provisions and Firing, with her Rigging torn to pieces; and since her Arrival has also found her Fore-mast much sprung. These Wants are supplied here as well as the Deficiency of every Article she needed would allow. Luckily a Convoy from Ireland arrived and brought some Provisions of the Meat-kind, but nothing else; and I am in daily Expectation of another Convoy arriving from England with all other Species. The Renown came totally dismasted, and in so bad a Condition, besides being two Years and an half foul, that she will be a long Time before she can join your Lordship again: indeed should no Store-Ship arrive soon, I shall not be able to complete her.

"I must likewise inform your Lordship, a Dutch Squadron of Eight Ships of War (mostly of two Decks) with a Store-Ship,¹ are just arrived at S^t. Eustatia, and 'tis said six others are expected. Their Destination at present I cannot learn; but have great Reason to think they are intended for America, as the January Packet, just arrived here from England informs me four Sail of them were at Madeira at the time the Packet was; and that a Number of American Passengers (appearing to be Gentlemen) were onboard them. The English Consul there sent an Express to England to inform the King's Ministers of this Armament, and I have done the like since their Arrival at Eustatia. They are commanded by Count Byland.² I have now sent the Seaford, Captain John Colpoys, to try if we can procure any farther Intelligence of them. And as the Stanley Brigantine must touch at S^t. Kitts for Water, she will be directed to wait there for the Seaford's Return; when Captain Colpoys will transmit your Lordship any further Information he may procure. The Squadron under my Command is so detached for Protection of the different Islands, that I have it not in my power at present (was I certain of their Destination) to prevent their proceeding. I shall therefore detain the Phoenix, till some Re-inforcement may arrive from Europe: for surely it must be known in England, that such a force is come into these [Seas] and they will certainly send after them. If they do, or I can procure farther Information, that may be necessary for You to know; I will immediately dispatch the Phoenix therewith to your Lordship. Could it be possible to get the Renown ready for Sea before the Dutch Squadron leaves S^t. Eustatia, by collecting some of the small Frigates and Sloops under my Command, something may be tried. I hear Admiral Barrington in the Prince of Wales is appointed to relieve me; if on this Occasion he should be hurried out, He may perhaps also arrive in Time."