Sir

I beg leave to acquaint their Lordships that His Majestys Ship Antelope Sail'd Yesterday with the First Convoy and that it was my Intentions to have Strengthen'd it with the Squirrel had it not been for the repeated Solicitations from the Governor to bring in by Sea the several Companies of that Regiment which were Detatch'd in different parts of the Island To His first Application I answer'd that I thought it would be the most eligable way for the Company at St Anns to March to Old Harbour, And for the Convoy & Transports: to take in the Troops at Port Royal, & in their way down toLeward to call in at Old Harbour for the Detatch'd Companies, which could be done in the least time and without taking off one of my Squadron from other Services

In answer to which his Excellency inform'd me that he had communicated my Letter to Captain Ogilvy (Commanding Officer of the 50th Regiment) who assur'd him, that having many Arrangements to make and orders to give before they Sail'd, the Service must suffer very much if they were not brought all together before they Embark'd.

His Excellency therefore repeated his Application to me to bring in the Detatch'd Companies (which Letters; with one from Captain Ogilvie to the Governor I inclose for their Lordships information).²

In consequence thereof I order'd one of the Transports to bring the two Companies from Old Harbour who is return'd, and the Squirrel to the North Side of the Island to fetch the other and expect her in every Day. I am with Respect Sir [&c.]