Sir

I received by the way of Halifax on the 22d July your Letter of the 19h May, giving an account of your proceedings and arrival at Cape Fear, and on the 21st of last Month, by Captain Hope your Letter of the 9h July, giving a further account of your proceedings and attack of the Fort which the Rebels have erected on Sullivans Island within the Bar of Charles Town In return to which their Lordships command me to acquaint you, that they cannot too much commend the gallant behaviour of His Majesty's Ships employed against that Fort but that they must at the same time lament the loss of so many brave Officers and Men, and that the Courage shewn upon that occasion was not attended with the Success it deserved. I am &c

P. S: Their Lordships have confirmed the appointment of Captain [Charles] Hope to the Rank of a Commander in His Majesty's Navy.

By the Mermaid