ChathamĀ Halifax Harbour 20th May 1776.
Sir
I am to acquaint you that an Armed Sloop sent from Cape Fear with dispatches for the General and myself arrived here the 13th instant, and that by a Letter from Captain [Anthony] Hunt of His Majesty's Ship Sphinx I am acquainted with his arrival there with the Pigot Hospital Ship, Aurora and Emanuel Transports, the Sovereign Victualler, and the King George Transport one of Sir Peter Parker's Squadron, which joined him upon the Coast.
Captain Hunt further informs me that on the 14th of March he spoke the Solebay off Madeira, when he was acquainted that Ship parted from Sir Peter Parker the preceeding day, who had with him only Thirteen Sail of Transports, the Actaeon, Active, and Carcass Bomb, with many Transports having seperated from him.
I have also been informed from Cape Fear, that several Transports which sailed with the Bristol, but which had parted from her, were arrived there. I am Sir [&c.]