Sir

I beg you will be pleased to acquaint their Lordships that his Majesty's Ship Pallas under my Command has been Six Weeks from Portroyal, Jamaica, with a Convoy of 104 Sail a List of which I sent by the Grenville Packet who parted Company the 6th instant. We have been three Weeks since we came through the Gulf getting three degrees to the Northward owing to Calms and light Airs of Wind from the N. Et; We went to as short an Allowance of water both Officers and Men soon after we sailed, as I thought we could well be reduced to, the Weather being very hot, we have at present only Ten Butts besides the Ground Tier.

I intend keeping along the Coast of America in hopes of meeting with some Man of War upon that Station to enquire at what place we can get a supply, for unless we have a fair and fresh Wind soon I do not think it will be safe to Cross the Ocean with the small Quantity of water we have on board.

Many of the Merchant Ships parted Company as soon as we got through the Gulf, a great many of the others keep constantly so far off that we can but just see them from the Masthead, I have sent on board those that are nearest to us, and find some of them intend parting Company, others are as bad off for water as ourselves, and intend going to the Northward with us, I should hope that two.or three days sail will put them pretty well out of the reach of the American Privateers, however I shall take all the care I possibly can of those that chuse to keep Company with us. Inclosed I send a weekly account of the State and Condition of the Ship. I am Sir [&c.]

Endorsed Recd 4 Nov. & Read