Sir

Please to acquaint my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that not having yet received any Account of the Pomona, I cannot but Conclude her to be lost and the small Number of His Majesty's Ships now employed on this Station are very insufficient to protect the Trade of the different Islands within the Limits of my Command: I have therefore thought it necessary, and for the good of His Majesty's Service, in order to more effectually to annoy the Rebels Numerous Armed vessels (called Privateers) now Cruizihg in these Seas: To Cause to be purchased, Armed, and Commissioned the Rebels Privateer Brigantine lately called the Putnam; (which I acquainted their Lordships by my Letter of the 2d November last, had been taken as Prize by His Majesty's Ship Portland;) ² she having been reported on a Careful Survey fit to be made an Armed Vessel for the use of His Majesty, and capable of carrying Ten Guns and Forty Five Men; and I have directed the Deputy Naval Officer at Antigua Yard to draw Bills on the Navy board for £500 Sterling, the appraised Value of said Brigantine; the reported Condition and Valuation of which are inclosed for their Lordships Inspection. The 27th January I caused her to be Commissioned and called the Antigua: and have appointed Lieutenant William Swiney, from the Portland, to Command her, and took that opportunity to give Lieutenant William Young a Commission as Second Lieutenant of the Portland: which their Lordships had been pleased to direct. I am Sir [&c.]

[Endorsed] Recd — 6 May Dupl Rd 26 Apl