Sir
Captain [James] Reid of His Majesty's Bomb Vessel the Thunder, has just now acquainted me, that his Tender is not arrived at Spithead, and that she has got in all the Shells, Powder &ca ー and that he has not received any Orders concerng her; that Lord [George] Townshend acquainted him, that she should sail two Hours after him ー The Thunder will be ready to proceed to morrow, agreeable to their Lordships' Orders, to Cork, and as the Bristol cannot sail before Thursday evening, or Friday morning, I shall be glad to know their Lordships pleasure concerning her, in case she should arrive before I sail, and whether she has Orders to proceed directly to Cork, without calling in here. I am Sir [&c.]
Bristol at Spithead 19th Decr 1775