Number 4.

Sir I have the Satisfaction of being able to inform their Lordships by the Sandwich Packet, that Commodore [William] Hotham, whose distinguished Abilities gave Room for every favorable Expectation, arrived on the 12th with Eighty five Sail of his Convoy; completing with those few before arrived, the whole of the Hessian Embarkation that sailed from England under his Direction. He was joined off of this Port, by Captain [Henry] David (whose Capacity and Diligence have been particularly exemplified on this Occasion) with all the Transports in his Care, that were able to accompany him out of the British Channel. The Reports delivered by those Officers are herewith enclosed.

The Loss of the Hessian Troops by Sickness is most inconsiderable, Not exceeding ten or twelve, as I have yet heard; tho' for the last fourteen Days of their Passage, the Scurvy began to prevail; But amongst the Crews of the Ships of War in a greater Degree.

I am favored with your several Letters of the 27th of April and the 13th and 22d of May, to the Contents of which I shall have due Regard.

I am also to acknowledge the Receipt of an Order from their Lordships of the same Date with the last, respecting the supposed Situation of the Bahama Islands, founded on the Intelligence transmitted by Governor Tonyn, and Lieutenant [William] Grant Commander of the St. John Schooner.

As soon as the Capital Service impending, the permanent Establishment of the Army in this Province, is effected; To which I conceive their Lordships will approve that every Consideration of lesser Moment should give place, And after a Port of Retreat is secured for the Winter-Use of the Fleet; my earliest Attention will be given to provide more amply than my present Means will admit, the other requisite Services comprehended in the Tenor of their Instructions.

Whilst I was preparing to close this Dispatch, the Commodore Sir Peter Parker in the Bristol, with the Experiment and Syren, Sibella Store-Ship and two Transports having each three Companies Part of the 28th and 57th Regiments on board arrived here from South Carolina. And soon after the Roebuck with the Ships lately attending the Earl of Dunmore, and that in which his Lordship was embarked, from Virginia.

The immediate Departure of the Packet not allowing Time to examine so fully into the State of those Ships as to enable me to form a Judgment thereon fit to be reported immediately, Their Lordships I flatter myself, will have the Indulgence to dispense with the Receipt of any more particular Returns than those before prepared of the State and Appointment of the Squadron herewith enclosed, by the present Opportunity²

I cannot however inform them too soon of the great Want of Ordnance Stores of all Species, for the Ships of this Squadron: particularly Match, Powder, and Ball of 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 lb; Both to supply the past, and probable future Expence of those Articles: as I have no Advice of any adequate Provision having been made thereof. I am Sir [&c.]