Number 19.
Sir 

Being yet unable, from the Effects of a late Illness, to attend much to Business, I must hope their Lordships will permit me on the present occasion to refer them for Information respecting the State and Disposition of this Fleet, to the Returns and Copies of Instructions to the Commodores Sir Peter Parker and Hotham, herewith enclosed.

To those Papers I have added the Duplicate of a Letter I have lately received from Captain [Richard] Pearson, representing the present Situation and proposed future Employment of the Ships of War left to winter in the Saint Laurence.

Their Lordships will observe in the State of the Ships on this Part of the Coast, that the first Lieutenants are absent from the Amazon and Flora: The former having been appointed by Captain [Maximilian] Jacobs to command the Lord Howe Armed Ship, in the care of which the Lieutenant [George] Berkeley of the Isis (then on the Point of returning to England) had been placed; and the other by Captain [John] Brisbane to command the Liverpool, at Halifax; Captain [Henry] Bellew being by his ill State of Health unable at that time to proceed to Sea in the Ship. Thinking both these Appaintments very unnecessary; And further, by weakening the Frigates destined to remain and be employed on Service abroad, as unwarrantable; I have judged it requisite to signify that Disapprobation to the two Captains concerned. I am, with great Consideration, Sir [&c.]