Romney St Johns 25th August 1777
[Extract]
Sir/
Since my last of the 2nd Inst (in which was inclosed the State and Condition and Destination of the Squadron under my Command,) I have the pleasure to inform you that on the 15th Inst Lieutenant Lloyd Commanding His Majesty's Armed Sloop Penguin, of 10 Carriage Guns, 10 Swivels and 45 Men, in the Latitude 43°. .10', on the Banks of Newfoundland, fell in with an American Brig Privateer, of Beverly, called the Retaliation, Commanded by Eleazar Giles, mounted with 12 Carriage Guns, (four of which were Six pounders,) Eleven Swivels and Two Organ Guns, and Sixty six Men; and after a smart Engagement of an hour and half, took her, and brought her into this Port the 20 Inst — The Penguin had one Man killed, the Master, Midshipman and five Men wounded. The Privateer had two Men killed, the Commander and Eleven others wounded. The Hulls, Sails, and Rigging of both were very much shattered. As I have no Prison Ship, or place to put the Prisoners into onshore, I shall send them to Halifax by His Majesty's Sloop Martin as soon as she returns from her Cruize.. . .
You will also be pleased to inform their Lordships that I intend sending the Squirrel to Convoy the early Trade, which will be ready to sail by the middle of next Month to the Coast of Spain and Portugal.
On the 19th Inst Lieutenant [John] Elphinston Commanding the Labrador, who has been long in a bad State of Health, wrote to me to say, that from a severe attack of the Palsy he was rendered incapable of discharging his Duty, and as this was confirmed by the Opinion of the Surgeons who by my Order Surveyed him, I have given him leave to go to England, as the only probable means of his recovery; and have appointed Mr Isaac Schomberg, Midshipman belonging to His Majesty's Ship Romney, to Act as Lieutenant, and to Command the said Schooner during their Lordships pleasure, which I hope they will be pleased to confirm. . . .