Sir,

Please to acquaint my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty; that pursuant to their Directions of the 20th February last: I have this day Ordered Captain John Chapman, to proceed to the Island of St Christophers, with His Majesty's Sloop Shark, under his Command, to Convoy the Homeward bound Trade from these Islands; from whence he is to Sail the 4th November, with such Merchant Ships and Vessels as are then ready; And as it is said the American Armed Vessels Cruize between the Latitudes of 30° and 35° North, I have thought fit to Direct Captain Chapman to Convoy the Trade as far as the Latitude 38° North, lest they should be intercepted by the Rebels, which I flatter myself will meet with their Lordship's approbation.

The 30th September last, I informed their Lordships, by a Letter addressed to you, (Duplicate of which accompanys this;) that on the 6th and 7th of that month, a Violent Gale of Wind did considerable Damage among the Islands, particularly to the Shipping; and that 1 was apprehensive His Majesty's Sloop Pomona had met with some Disaster, as She was to have returned to English-harbour the 5th September. Since which, have not had any certain Intelligence concerning her;² I am therefore to desire you will be pleased to move their Lordships to send me some other Ship in her stead, as I am much afraid, if She is not gone away to Jamaica some sad Catastrophe has happened to her. ー And the Governors and Inhabitants of some of the Islands, ー having Signified to me They were apprehensive, that from their Defenceless State they may be Visited and Insulted by the American Rebel's Armed Vessels, which these Seas are now much pestered with: I must again Request their Lordships will be pleased to Order a Considerable Re-inforcement to the Squadron on this Station, and thereby better enable me to protect His Majesty's Islands from any such Insult; for which purpose I am of opinion it is extreemly necessary that one Ship, at least, should be Stationed to Cruize off each of the British Islands, besides those employed to prevent the Rebels being Supplyed with Warlike Stores from the Foreign Islands: ー A Service in which I greatly miss the Pomona, being the only fast Sailing Vessel of the Squadron.

The 19th Instant the Packet from England, that sailed in the month of August arrived at this Island; but contrary to my expectations, brought me no Public Dispatches; which I presume proceeds from some mistake.

Inclosed is the State and Condition of the Squadron under my Command, which you will be pleased to communicate to their Lordships. ー I am sir [&c.]

[Endorsed] Recd 21 Decr Read & Ansd 1 Jan