I receiv'd by Captain Brine on the 31st Ultimo your several Letters of the 12th June, all which with their several inclosures were immediately communicated to my Lords Commissrs of the Admty, and Copies & extracts of such of them as were judged proper to be laid before His Majesty transmitted to the Secretarys of State for that purpose.
Their Lordships command me to acquaint You that there can be no doubt of proper measures being taken not only to indemnify you & the Officers serving under you in the Actions which have been brought against you for the discharge of your Duty, but to support you in the Execution of it in future, and with that view your Letter marked No 1 of those abovementioned has also been laid before the Attorney & Sollicitor General for their Opinion and Advice as to the steps that may be necessary to be taken thereupon.
Their Lordships have sent an Extract of your Letter No 2 to the Navy Board, so far as relates to the Equipment of the Ships of Lord Howes Squadron in addition to those of your own, and have directed them to encrease the Establishment of the Yard at Antigua in such manner as they shall judge proper to enable you to carry that service with Dispatch.
My Lords approve of the Complement you have ordered for the Snake Sloop;2 as also of the Orders you have given for purchasing the Bermudas Sloop3 taken by the Endeavour & Antigua Brigs to supply the place of the Pelican Brig, & for converting the latter into a Vessel for cleaning the Harbour in the room of the Denbeigh Tender which is worn out; And they have directed the Navy Board to pay the Bills you have ordered the Naval officer to draw for the purchase of those two Sloops as well as the Comet Sloop.
Their Lordships are highly satisfied with the Gallant Behaviour of Captain Jones of the Beaver Sloop iri the action with the Oliver Cromwell Rebel Privatier, as well as with the account he has given of that of the Officers & crew of the sloop, and as a mark of their Approbation were immediately pleased to sign a Commission for him to be Captain of the Fowey, to give him the Rank of a Post Captain, which will be sent to you by this Conveyance to be delivered to him. You will at the same time receive their Lordships Order for purchasing the Privatier to serve as a 6th Rate in the Squadron under your Command, if she is found fit for His Majestys service, And it is their Lordships pleasure that you appoint Captain Jones to the Command of her. I have the honor to be &c
