[Extract]

Sir

... Sir Peter Parker put to Sea from Cork with the Ships and Transports under his Convoy on the 12h day of the last Month but after being six days at Sea was met by bad weather which seperated him from part of his Convoy ー Such of these as have put into Ports in England have been refitted and ordered to assemble at Plymouth, and they are now waiting toproceed under convoy of the Ranger which will put to Sea the moment the wind is favorable.

Besides this Ship [Greyhound] there have sailed the Isis and Triton for the River. St Lawrence and with them two large Ships named in the MARCH 1776 1007

Margin 2 with Lieutenants to command them, which last mentioned Ships after landing the Troops they have on board are to be fitted as armed Ships and put on the establishment of Sloops; and the said Lieutenants are then to take upon th~m the command as such; having Commissions from their Lord.ships appointing them thereto.

These four Ships have taken in Troops intended for the relief of Quebeck, and have Orders to use their utmost endeavours to that end, and to remain at Quebeck or in the River St Lawrence til they shall receive directions froni you or the Commanding Officer of the Squadron in North America whose Command they are then to put themselves under.

Sent to Mr. Pownall 29h March Duplicate sent by the Canceaux 19 April.