[Extract]
(No 4)
I have given such orders for the embarkation of the Fiftieth Regiment, agreeable to his Majesty's pleasure signified to me by your Lordship, that no time will be lost in getting them brought in from the different Quarters, and then sending them to the Army in North America and I shall be ready to obey His Majesty's Commands in the Case of an Attack by the Rebels on West Florida as far as the safety of Jamaica will permit.
It is my Duty to represent to your Lordship, the general Consternation and Allarm spread through this Island on the removal of this Regiment and its being left with one Weak Battalion consisting only of 360 Rank and File; the Assurances that another and stronger Battalion will soon replace it here, by no Means quiets their Fears and apprehensions...
It is said that more French Troops are expected in Hispaniola, but I do not find that more are actually arrived than I had the Honour to inform you of before the best accounts make the Regular Troops, Infantry Artillery &c about six thousand.
The last intelligence I had regarding the Havana, is that every thing there wore a peaceable appearance, & that several of our Merchant Ships, put in there through distress had been kindly received by the Governor, and every Assistance given them.
It is with great satisfaction I inform you of the safe arrival of the Ship with the Powder His Majesty was most Graciously pleased to spare us out of the Royal Magazines.
