Number 11.
Sir

The several British and foreign Transports named in the List enclosed being ready to return to Europe, I have thought it necessary to appoint the Active and Fowey to attend them.

Captain [William] Williams, who has resumed the Command of the Active, is directed on his Arrival off of the Western Islands, to permit the British Transports to quit the Convoy at that time if they see fit, and proceed separately according to their several Destinations. But it is recommended to him to continue his Care of the foreign Transports; Lest by their wilful Separation they may take Occasion to delay their Arrival at their Ports of Discharge. Wherefore the Agents Lieutenants Hill and Harris, who have been very diligent in their Stations, and the different Superintendents appointed to regulate the Navigation of the foreign Transports, return in them.

Captain Williams is directed to conduct them to Plymouth. He is to suffer the Fowey to part Company when advanced the Length of the Western Islands as aforesaid, to land with greater Expedition the Packets Captain [George] Montagu is charged to forward by Express with a Duplicate of this Dispatch, immediately on his Arrival at Portsmouth: In case the attendance of that Frigate for regulating the Motions of the Convoy, is then no longer requisite. Upon his Arrival at Plymouth, he is to acquaint You therewith by Express. And proceeding to get the Ship ready for the Dock with all possible Dispatch, he is to wait at that port to receive their Lordships more particular Commands for his future Conduct.

I have not made any Reduction of the Complement of these Ships by the discharge of their Marines, according to the Tenor of their Lordships General Instructions to Vice Admiral [Samuel] Graves: Deeming it inexpedient to diminish their Force, under the Circumstances of their present Appointments.

The Provisions for the Army in advance, being less in Quantity than is desirabl -to have deposited here; the two Transports, the Pigot and British King, late in the East India Service, are directed by the General's desire to be sent to Ireland; To take in a Supply of Provisions for the Troops, at Cork. But from the present deficiency of Men in those Ships, I apprehend they will need the protection of Convoy on their return to this Port.

The Active, Scorpion and Falcon arrived here the 19th past, with the Officers, Company and Stores remaining in the Cruizer at the time it was judged expedient to destroy the Sloop, as expressed in the Representations from the Captains [Anthony] Hunt and [Francis] Parry enclosed.

On the 26th past the Sphynx put into this Port, under the Circumstances stated in the Letter from Captain [James] Reid likewise transmitted herewith.

Captain Williams having been superseded by their Lordships Appointment of Captain [James] Wallace to command the Experiment, I have directed the Removals in the Instances of Captain Williams and Captain Hunt to their proper Ships; and Captain Reid into the Rose, until their Lordships pleasure is signified upon the Appointments made by Sir Peter Parker, which have been reported in my Letter of the 3d of September.

The Active having been many Hours onshore in Charles Town Harbour, I thought it fit to send the Ship to England for Inspection in a Dock. The same Accident having also happened to the Sphynx, I apprehend it will be equally necessary to order that Ship likewise to Europe, at a future Opportunity.

[Endorsed] R 17th Decr P Express from Plyt (4 Inclosures)