Sir Having received directions from Vice Adml [Robert] Man to Cruize between Cape St. Maries and Cape Spartiel, for the Purpose of Intercepting any American Vessels bound into or out of Cadiz, or the Straights. And while on this Service being Informed by a Ship I spoke with that Several Sail of Men of War, of the line were Fitting out at Cadiz. And also that an American Brigg mounting Several Carriage Guns, was taking in Powder &ca. for America, I wrote to the Consul at said port Confirming [sic confining] my Enquiries Chiefly to the American Brigg in case of my letters being intercepted. And received from Consul Hardy an Account that the Story of the Brigg, was without Foundation, but a Spanish Squadron Consisting of Six Sail of the line two Frigates & Three Chavequins is fitting out there to be Command'd by Rear Admiral Bn: Moguel Gatson, who had hoisted his

Flag in the Velasco of Seventy Guns, but that he was not Able to find out their Destination this Letter was dated from Cadiz 9th Instant.

Since this I received Secret Orders from Vice Adml. Man, bearing date 16th. March directing me to take the Navy Transport under the Command of Lieutenant Egan of the Medway, to my Assistance, and to send her into Cadiz with Letters to the Consul, which wou'd give him an Opportunity of Seeing what they were about, as the Adml. was informed 13 Sail of the line was Fitting out there, And if I should gain any Material Intelligence I was to Open my Seal'd Orders from Vice Adml Man; And proceed agreable thereto Sending back the Sloop under the Command of Lieutenant Egan with the Intelligence he had pick[edJ up.

On the 13 Instant I dispatch'd Lieutt Egan in the aforemention'd Transport with Letters to Consul Hardy, who rejoin'd me this day, with the Consuls Answer, a Copy of which, as well as of Lieutenant Egans Letter to me I herewith transmit for their Lordships perusal and hope it may meet the Conveyance of the A [borough from Gibraltar, if not the Na val Officer has my directions for Forwarding it by the first Merchant Ship going to England And any I may meet with in my Cruize bound thither will bring a Duplicate, for tho' I do not think the information of Consequence to Open the Admirals private Orders yet very Proper to be known to their Lordships, and having also consider'd the Noise and Confusion, a ship would make coming to England Express, at this Juncture of Affairs in America (If such Should be my Seald Orders) that this is the better Method, which I hope may meet with their Lordships approbation I am Sir [&c.]

Thomas Rich