Bristol at Spithead 20th Decr 1775
Sir
Their Lordships having thought proper to put a Squadron of His Majesty's Ships under my Command, and to give me Instructions to observe, in the execution of which many months may elapse before I can join Rear Admiral Shuldham ー I have taken up Stationary from Messrs Mount & Page on Tower Hill for the use of the said Squadron, amounting to £29..10..0 ー Inclosed is their Bill, which I beg you will please to move their Lordships to direct the Navy Board to pay ー
Major Innes of the Artillery informs me, that the three Ordnance Vessels ー (Vizt) Earl of Darby, Nancy and Noble Bounty, sail'd on Wednesday last from Gallions, that he had order'd the two latter to proceed to Cork, and the former to call here for him, and to take in 5000 stand of Arms, and 2700 Pallisadoes We expect her arrival every moment ー It now blows strong at So Et I am Sir [&c.]