Sir  I desire You will please to acquaint the Right Honourable the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, that I received their Lordships Order of the 31st. of January last, respecting the illicit Trade between the Dutch Settlements and His Majesty's Colonies in America, and likewise their Lordships other order on the same subject dated the 27th of February last; in consequence whereof, I have given the necessary orders to the several Captains of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels under my Command; and Instructed them to be very particular in this Service.

I have also received your letter of the 3d. of March last relative to the Ship Prosperity, and in obedience to their Lordships Command, have Ordered a good look out to be kept for her; Your other letter of the 1st of February last, I have likewise received, acquainting me that Vice Admiral [James] Young is to relieve me in the Command of His Majesty's Ships on this Station, and that it is their Lordships Orders that I hold myself in readiness to return to England on his arrival; His Majesty's Ship Chatham is now ready to proceed to Sea upon the shortest notice.

Captain Francis Grant Gordon arrived in English Harbour with His Majesty's Ship Argo the 20th. Instant, and I have, agreeably to their Lordships Orders taken her under my Command, and have sent the Deal Castle to England.

Enclosed is an Account of the State & Condition of His Majestys Ships and Vessels under my Command and another shewing the Disposition of them:

I am Sir [&c.]

Chatham in St John's Road Antigua the 31, May 1775

[Endorsed] Rd 12 July 1775