Sir

Inclosed is a Copy of a Letter of this day's date, from Captain [Robert] Dring of the Carcass Bomb, 2 respecting Lieutt [John] Stoddart, whom he left behind at Portsmouth, and desiring as he is.return'd on board, that.I will restore him to his duty, 'till their Lordships pleasure shall be known ー As I have not authority to hold Courts Martial here, and Lieutt Stoddart might be a considerable time under suspension, before I could know their Lordships pleasure; I have order'd Captt Dring to admit him to do his duty, and to acquaint him at the same time that notwithstanding, it depends entirely on' their Lordships, whether they would call him to an account for his late Conduct. The Sybella Storeship which sail'd frOm the Downs the 30th of last December, arrived here yesterday evening, she has been driven twice; 50 or 60 Leagues to the Westward, and has not touched at any Port, or met with any accident. I am Sir [&c.]

P: Parker

[Endorsed] Acq him with all that has been [done] on his representation of Mr Stoddarts absenting himself. [Second endorsement] He has already been acquainted with the Marshal being directed to apprehend Mr Stoddart, and a Commission has been sent to him for Mr Rickmen to be Lieut of the Carcass in his room, which is all that has been done hereupon