Sir

By Captain Tollemache, who sailed from hence in his Majesty's Sloop Scorpion the latter end of August, I sent Orders to Captain Thornborough of the Tamer to repair immediately to North Carolina, and having assisted Captain [Francis] Parry of the Cruizer to dismantle Fort Johnston and put the Ordnance Stores on board a Transport, which Captain Tollemache carried with him for that purpose, to come to Boston and leave Captain Tollemache at Cape Fear. But, as I have not since heard from either of the Captains, I am apprehensive the Scorpion thro' some Accident is not arrived at Carolina. I therefore suppose that agreeably totheir Lordships Order to you of the 31st of August 1775 (a Copy of which I have received.) you have sent the Tamer to Savannah in Georgia, one of the Sloops that was at Virginia to Charles Town, and that this wiH find you at Virginia, where I think it would be most proper for you to remain. However if through any accident no senior Officer to yourself arrives at Virginia, I desire the Tamer and Cruizer may be sent to Boston as soon in the Spring as the Weather will admit. I have ordered Captain Stanhope to go to Savannah, lest no Sloop should be there, but upon his Arrival you will dispose of him as you judge best for the Service, after his Dispatches are delivered. And I recommend it to your Consideration whether it would not be right to let two Sloops be at Charles Town, for I think one there is not sufficient. I am &c

Capt. Bellew, Liverpool at Virginia.