Emerald
In Hampton Road 6th May 1778.
Sir,
I am advised that some large Ships of Force have been purchased by several abettors of the Rebellious Colonists, to bring different European Commodoties to these Provinces, and take back Cargoes of Tobacco provided in the Ports of Virginia. I have appointed the Isis to co-operate with you and the other Ships at the entrance of the Bay,1 directing the Place I would have her anchor at.—She is not to Chace small Vessels, the Frigates2 and Sloops3 being more proper for that Service.
You will please to signify to the other Captains4 the Information I have received, as it is now more material than before, not to be led from their Stations, as it is absolutely necessy. there Should be a Force together, if those Ships arrive.
By your order of the 26th ulto: you are desired to return here at the end of fourteen Days, but you will now give Captain Symonds of the Solebay directions to join me here, the 13 inst: and remain with the Richmond at your present Anchorage.
The Vice Admiral5 informs me, Commodore Hotham may be expected here in a short time. I am [&c.]
B.C.
LB, UkGrNMM, Benjamin Caldwell Papers, CAL/110, Letter Book (May 1776-June 1779), p. 31. Addressed at the bottom, “To/Captain Gidoin/Richmond."
1. That is, Chesapeake Bay. H.M.S. Isis, Capt. John Raynor, commander.
2. The frigates in Caldwell's squadron were: H.M. frigates Emerald, Richmond, and Solebay.
3. H.M. ship-rigged sloop-of-war Otter and H.M. ship-rigged sloop-of-war Senegal.
4. The other captains in the squadron were: Capt. Thomas Symonds of H.M. frigate Solebay, Comdr. Matthew Squire of H.M. ship-rigged sloop-of-war Otter, and Comdr. Anthony James Pye Molloy of H.M. ship-rigged sloop-of-war Senegal.
5. Vice Adm. Viscount Howe.
