Last week arrived here his Majesty's ship the Hynd, Capt. [Henry] Bryne, after having landed 3 companies of the 60th regiment in St. Augustine. Being informed on his return, that in a creek near Sunbury in Georgia, a brigantine lay taking in lumber, near which was a ship on the stocks pierced for twenty guns; Captain Bryne, when he arrived off that place, ordered his tender and boats armed, who set fire to and burned both. This expedition and voyage was performed in the space of six weeks; but its success was dampened by the loss of Lieutenant Nicholas, a very worthy officer, who commanded the tender, but lost company about 30 leagues from land, and is supposed to have foundered.

It is observable that we have a more powerful squadron on this station than we have had since the year 1771. It consists of the Portland of 50 guns, carrying Admiral [James] Young's flag, Captain [Thomas] Demeresq; the Argo of 28 guns, Captain [William] Garnier; the Hynd of 24 guns, Capt. Bryne; the Seaford of 24 guns, Capt. [John] Colpoys; the Pomona of 18 guns, Captain Bastwood; the Hawk of 14 guns, Captain [Robert Palliser] Cooper; the Endeavour armed vessel, Captain Tinsley another armed vessel to be purchased, and the Sandwich tender, commanded by Captain Douglas. Orders are received from England to raise the ships companies to the highest complement of men.

Admiral Young has received orders from the Admiralty to purchase two armed vessels, to carry ten guns each, and 45 men, one of which is already bought, and the command given to Captain Tinsley. It is supposed some extraordinary expedition is going forward at English Harbour, as the Admiral has given orders to enter 14 more shipwrights.

We are informed that the convoy appointed to escort the West India homeward bound fleet, will carry them as far as the Western Islands only, where some men of war are to meet and carry them to England, and the convoy to return to their station here.