Sir

I take this Opportunity by the return of a Boat from Mr. Knowles, which brought the Armourer belonging to the Lady William Schooner, to acquaint You that the Thirteen Inch Mortar on Board the Thunder Bomb, was Yesterday in a few Hours after the Accident, made fit for Service by the Armourer of this Ship; I have also the Pleasure to inform You, that this Morning, the Boats of the Squadron forced a Large Sloop on Shore, near Stano Creek, mounting Ten Four Pounders, Laden with Powder, Amunition, Rum and Sugar from St Eustatia; but as the Rebels had Scuttled Her, We set Her on Fire and She Blew up.

all the Ships are ready, and Hope to have the Honor of Hearing from You soon, and of being informed of your Plan of Operations. In my Signals I mentioned the first of the Flood as the proper Time for placing the Ships against the Batteries, but on consulting a Pilot who came to Me this Morning from Savannah, and who has been a Pilot Here for many Years, I am now of Opinion, in which all the Masters concur, that the pitch of high Water will be the best Time. Shou'd You find the Rebels determined. to oppose Your Descent on the North End of Sulivans Island, and You cannot Land on any other Part, the Ships will not then be above an Hour or Two Engaged, before the Water will fall sufficiently where You are, for You to pass from Long-Island; I have made such a Disposition of the Ships, that I shall Hope, when they are driven from Their Batteries, to cut of[f] the Retreat of many of Them ー I most heartily wish You Success, and have the Honor to be Sir [&c.]

Bristol 16 June 1776