Sir

I am sorry to acquaint you that yesterday Captain Howe arrived here very unexpectedly in His Majesty's Ship Glasgow having on the 6th Instant off Rhode Island fallen in with and been attack'd by several Armed Vessels of the Rebels, in which Action she received so much damage that she was thought unfit to proceed on the execution of the Orders Captain Howe had received for carrying General [William] Howe's and my Dispatches to the Southward, which were unluckily thrown into the Sea; Herewith I transmit to you a Copy of Captain Howes Account of that Action together with a Copy of Captian Wallaces Letter to me on the Same subject, and as I find the Glasgow is in so shattered a Condition, and would require so much time, and more Stores than there is in this Yard to put her into proper repair, I intend sending her to Plymouth as soon as she can be got ready. I am [&c.]

M: Shuldham

[Endorsed] 19 Apl 1776 Halifax V.A. Shuldham R 6 June (2 Inclosures)