(Copy)
Sir

In pursuance of your Orders dated the 23^d: Instant, I have been at the Island of S^t: Eustatia; and herewith transmit you the best Acco^t: I was able to collect of the Dutch Squadron lately arrived in these Seas;¹ under the Command of the Commodore Comte De Bylan.—² before I proceeded to S^t: Eustatia, I was induced to Anchor at Old Road S^t: Christophers, seeing three of the above Squadron lying there, since which finding that, the Intelligence I collected there, has been corrob orated by what I learnt at S^t: Eustatia, I flatter myself that you'l find the Acco^t: I now transmit you, to be pretty correct.—

The people of S^t: Eustatia in general pretend to be, or really are ignorant, of the reason why so large a Squadron should be out here in time of Peace; The diff^t: Officers of the Ships seemed to be equally so—but from the diff^t: conversations I had with the Comte De Bylan, I think I may venture to say—that the cause of his coming here is, to protect the Dutch Trade in General; which in future is to be convoyed home; he expressed himself in very warm terms, against the conduct of our Privateers, and did not seem very well pleased, with that of our Men of War; He said many irregularities had been committed before his Arrival at S^t: Eustatia, as well as some since; and that by the Peace, made with the Emperror of Morocco, the Dutch would in future be better able, to protect the dignity of their Flag.—

The Comte de Bylan was sent out so suddenly, that he was not allowed to wait for his own Ship, tho' she Sailed five days after, this matter, many lay much stress on—but the cause of which was—that the States³ were apprehensive if they detained him any Longer for his own Ship—that it was very possible the whole Squadron would have been Froze up for the Winter in Zealand. Previous to his Sailing, an Express had been sent to Lisbon for three of his Squadron, to Join him at S^t: Eustatia tho' they had been out more than Eighteen Months, and some of 'em had then, and still have Sprung Masts,—nor do I find that they will be able to replace 'em out here, the Comte de Bylan wished to know, whether you could give him any Assistance in that way—& which I answered in the negative.—His Squadron are very Short of Officers and poorly Maned,—each of 'em is said to have Ten Months Provisions on board, and its currently reported that the Comte de Bylan expects towards June a further reinforcement of one 74. & a 64.— but this I have much reason to doubt.—

The Comte de Bylan seemed to me to be disposed to favour the American Cause, I was willing to try his Pulse on that head, therefore waited on him to request the enlargement of four English Men, that were detained in Irons, on board an American Armed Brig then lying in the Road.—his first Answer was, "that as we and the Americans were at War, he did not wish to meddle in our Quarrel"—I then took the Liberty of reminding him that, if he allowed Statia to be a Free Port—I could not help thinking it a little extraordinary, that he should allow any body to be detained a Prisoner there and that such conduct must frequently subject the Dutch Flag to the inconveniencys which he had complained of to me in a former conversation, and for my own part, if my request was not complyed with I must consider his refusal, as a mark of this approbation of the Americans conduct.—after some hesitation, "he told me his Captain should go on board the Vessel & enquire into the matter;" which he did, & the men were accordingly released, I did not receive any of 'em on board here, as they were unfit for His Majesty's Service.—

I shall immediately apply for our Provisions, and hold the Ship in constant readiness for your further orders.—

The Bread at S^t: Christophers of which I took but little, owing to its badness I shall (if I can better myself) return to the Contractors.—I am Sir [&c.]

Lieutentant Whitworth⁴ sailed from S^t: Christophers the 29^th: and has with him a counterpart of the Intelligence I send you, by Lieut: Byron.—⁵