Sir

In Consequence of the Letter I received from Captain [Henry] Bryne of the Pomona Sloop the 4th Instant, (of which I inclosed a Copy to you for their Lordships perusal the 8th August p the Creighton, Ross, Master) setting forth that a Schooner from North America arrived at the Island St Croix, in Order to procure Gunpowder for America; and offering any Money for the Purchase &c, and it having since then, been intimated to me by Persons of Credit, at this place; that it is believed The North American Traders, do procure Gunpowder and other Warlike Stores from this Island, and His Majesty's other Charibbee Islands; in these Seas; as well as from the French, Dutch, and Danish Islands. I have therefore in Order to prevent, (as far as I may be able) a practice so pernicious and dangerous to His Majesty's Service, wrote to the Governors, and the Commanders in Chief of all His Majesty's Charibbee Islands, to acquaint them with my having received the above information; and requested, they may immediately direct proclamations to be issued through the different Islands in their respective Governments, to forbid the Exportation of Gunpowder and other Warlike Stores, from any of them, for the Space of Six Months: and I have given Orders to the Captains of his Majesty's Ships Lynx, Pomona, and Argo; to search all Vessels they may fall in with; that are bound to America; and strictly to examine whether they have on board any Gunpowder; or other Warlike Stores; and should they find any such, to Seize said Vessels and bring them forthwith to me; I have inclosed herewith to you Copies of said Letters and Orders; and request you will lay them before tny Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty; who, I hope will approve of what I have done in this matter; and as their' Lordships will perceive by the Letter to me from the President and Council of the Island Antigua, Dated St John's Council Chamber, 17th August, 1775, they express "that they have no Authority to prevent the Buying and Selling of Merchandize which has been fairly imported" under which description I presume they wish to include Gunpowder and Warlike Stores; and to insinuate that private Adventurers are at full liberty to sell them as Merchandize to whomsoever they please; and some of them, I am told likewise assert in Common discourse, they have no knowledge, but from report; and rumour; that the People of North America are in open Rebellion; as the same has not been Officially Notified to them by Authority; from these Circumstances it is probable, Should His Majesty's Ships under my Command; in pursuance of the Orders I have given them, make Seizure of any American Vessels having Gunpowder &c. on board; The people concerned therein will litigate and question the legality of the Seizures, and thereby put me to much trouble and Expence; however as it appeared to me of the utmost Consequence to the good of His Majesty's Service, that a practice so dishonourable and dangerous, should be immediately prevented, and put a Stop to; so I have no doubt but their Lordships will fully approve of the Orders I have issued; and give me all necessary Support to carry them into Execution.

During the present Hurricane Season I can do little more with the Kings Ships under my Command, then sending t,hem to the Southern Islands for Security; but their Lordships may depend so soon as the danger of Hurricanes is over I will employ them in such manner as shall appear to me most useful to the Kings Service.

I much further desire you will represent to their Lordships that should the present troubles in America Continue, the Squadron under my Command is much too small to prevent effectually the Exportation of Ammunition &c. from all the Islands within the Extent of my Command, and that I intreat their Lordships will be pleased to encrease the Number of Ships to be employed in these Seas, and thereby enable me, to put an End to a Trade so very pernicious, and prevent for the future any Supply of Ammunition and Warlike Stores to be carried from hence to the North Americans: during their present unnatural Hostilities. I am Sir [&c.]