Antelope Jamaica September 3rd 1776
Sir
I beg leave to lay before their Lordships the Situation, we are in for want of Stores particularly Masts and Bowspreets, those that are in Store being entirely decay'd. the Squirrel after her late Cruize; came in with her Fore Mast Sprung & before she could get another, was oblig'd to take out three Sticks, two of which in Working prov'd to be decay'd, the Winchelsea has likewise had the Misfortune to spring her Bowspreet, & her People has been Employ'd for this three days past, overhauling the Stores; for a Stick to make a new one, but as yet cannot meet with any, but what are decay'd to the very Heart
I have the same Complaint of the Cordage from the Captains of His Majestys Ships under my Command who all assure me, tis dry Rotten, before tis Issu'd, indeed I have one instance of it myself, in regard to some New Careening Gear which I order'd to be fitt'd, and the first Ship that hove down by it (which was the Antelope) as soon as she came Keel out, Four of the Outrigger Pendants, out of the Five; gave way all together, but happily it was attend'd with no bad consequences
As their Lordships inform me I am to expect some of Lord Howes Squadron to Careen & Refit, I must beg they will be pleas'd to direct the Navy Board to send a supply of Stores, particularly Masts & Bowspreets, there not being a Sufficiency of those Stores for my own Squadron I am with great Respect Sir [&c.]
[Endorsed] 3 Jany [1777] send a Copy hereof to the Navy Board for their information and recommend to them to cause supplies of Stores to be sent out from time to time, that the ships on the station may be in constant readiness for Service and to be particularly carefull that the Stores they do send are of good Quality, & fit for the use to which they are applicable.