Sir,

In my Letter of the 21^st March¹ I had the honor to acquaint you that I should (in consequence of a Requisition from Governor Chester,) sail the Next day for the Mississippi, where I found my self in a very critical situation, the only Service I had in my power to execute there, was to receive the British Subjects who claimed my protection, got the Brig belonging to M^r. Campbell restored,² and to see her with the rest of the British Vessels safe from Orleans. The Spanish Governor possitvely refused to give up the Rebecca, which he has took possession of, and hoisted Spanish Colours on board her: by this you will concieve that it was not in my power to recover her, without commencing hostillities with Spain, which I did not think my self authorized to do.³

Having been obliged to Victual a Number of the British Subjects who sought protection, & the Spanish Governor having given possitive Orders to the Merchants not to supply his Majesty's Ships with provisions, I went down the River and arrived here yesterday, in company with the Sylph. 

I herewith transmit for your information Copies of the Correspondence carried on between Captain Fergusson and me, with the Governors of West Florida and Louisiana,⁴ with the state of His Majesty's Sloops Hound, Sylph, and Florida, commanded by Lieu^t. Osborn, who stays here untill you shall be pleased to signify, in what manner the Sloop is to be disposed of.⁵ 

The Spanish forces in Louisiana from the best intelligence I could get, consists of a Batallion of 500Men[,] a Millitia whose Number I have not been able to learn, they have a Row Gallie lately launched I cannot learn what service she is intended for, I send you herewith a Sketch of the Town and Fortifications of New-Orleans, for any further information I must beg leave to referr you to the Bearer of this, M^r. Campbell who is a very intelligent man, and a Zealous good Subject, and has shewn the greatest desire to make himself usefull to us on every occasion.⁶ I have the honor to be [&c.]