Eagle Off New York
November the 27th 1776.
Number 14.
Sir
Enclosed herewith I transmit a Return of the Disposition of the Ships of the Squadron, for specifying the Changes made therein since the Date of the last Return sent by the Fowey, which sailed the 13th Instant; and also an Account of the State and Condition of the Ships, with an Explanation of the Supernumeraries borne onboard them.
The Lark, intended to relieve the Cerberus off of Rhode Island, was forced back to this Port the 16th, with the Loss of her Main-Mast; caused by a considerable Defect in the Mast below the Partners, which it is conceived might have been discovered at Halifax, (where the Mast was made and supplied), if it had been duly inspected. The Greyhound sailed some Days before to strengthen the Ships on that Station, upon Intelligence that some Armed Ships of Force would soon be in readiness to put to Sea from Rhode Island. And Directions were sent by that Opportunity for Captain [Richard] Smith to detain the Cerberus, if still in fit Condition, a few days longer. But the Accident happening to the Lark before the Greyhound joined them, the Cerberus came back with the Lark in consequence of the former Appointment.
The Carysfort was thereupon ordered off of Rhode Island. But the Fore Mast of the Syren being soon after found defective and sprung in the Head, which compelled the Return of that Ship also, the Diamond and Ambuscade were appointed to replace the two disabled Ships.
The Lively arrived from before the Harbour of St Augustine the 5th Instant. Captain Bishop left the St John Armed Schooner in that Harbour; And the Otter with the Hinchinbrook to remain in St Mary's River for the present Service of the Province. The St John Schooner, which has been in St Mary's River mostly since the Beginning of last April is found on Survey unsafe to venture out of the port and is incapable of being repaired there. The Condition of the Otter is represented to be such (not having been cleaned since the 2d of Feby 1775) as to render the Sloop little fit for Service at Sea. And the Raven and Cherokee arrived the 21st much in the same State.
On the 20th the Solebay returned with the 6th Regiment from St Vincents. And the Mermaid arrived the 22d with the Convoy of Victuallers and other Transports Captain [James] Hawker had in Charge to conduct to this Port, the Aurora and Newmark Victuallers excepted; having parted from them the 13th in a hard Gale of Wind, during which it was feared the last had foundered at Sea.
The Perseus and Galatea anchored here the 25th; The Term for which the first was appointed to cruise Eastward from the Nantucket Shoals being expired; and the latter to discharge several Prisoners taken, some by that Ship, and others by the Orpheus and Daphne, in small Trading Vessels the Property of His Majesty's rebellious Subjects. — Several more Captures have been made by the Frigates cruising from Boston Eastward. — When I have received the Particulars thereof, daily expected, I shall transmit a Return of the whole Number reported during the last six Months.
I am to acknowledge the Receipt of your several Letters of the 31st of August, and 6th and 7th of September by the Mermaid. To the Contents of which I shall have every due Attention, and communicate my Proceedings on the several Matters with all suitable Dispatch. I am with great Consideration Sir [&c.]
[Endorsed] 27 Nov 1776 off New York Vice Adml Lord Viscount Howe R 30 Decr (3 Inclosures)