A Copy of a Letter to Admiral Shuldham from on board His Majesty's Schooner Saint John off St Augustine Barr dated 8th Mar 1776

Sir I have the honour to acquaint you, that His Majesty's Schooner under my Command Arrived here this day after three days passage from New Providence, and that on Sunday last the 3rd instant, Arrived at that place Eight Sail of North American Vessels, Vizt 2 Ships 2 Brigs, 3 Sloops and 1 Schooner with an Armament, and Landed about (500 Men) that day and took possession of Fort Montagu without Opposition ー I have brought off a Sloop with the Powder, and past their Fleet in the Night. I left the Governor and council in Fort Nassaw, and all Ranks of people in great distress, and I am afraid some of the Providence people are not to be depended upon ー 2 Ships, and 2 Brigs lyes without the Barr, and may (I presume) be easily attacked taken or destroyed, by any two Frigates, or 20 Gun Ships of His Majesty's ー I was much hurryed all that day in transporting the Schooner from place to place, for the Good of the Service and Safety of the Province, and had no communication with the Shore only with the Governor and council ー As things were thus circumstanced when I left Providence, I think it my duty to give you the earliest intelligence of that Event. I have also by the pacquet which is now getting under Sail, Wrote the commanding Officer at Georgia and South Carolina, and acquainted them with every circumstance I could learn or recollect According to the best of my Judgement: And I am positive the whole Rebel Fleet and Armament will fall a sacrifice if attacked I cannot be more explicit on the subject as the Vessel is under sail ー I have got some of the Powder on board and am going over the Barr of Saint Augustine We are also in some distress having come away uncompleated in the Schooners Repairs, Stores, Provisions &ca which we were obliged to Leave behind ー I have the honor to be with respect &ca

Adml Shuldham or the Commander in Chief at Boston