Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé, remarking on the character of Sir George Rodney and his willingness to serve under him, reporting on his journey to join Rodney and the British fleet at Barbados, and on his fears if the French fleet should move from Martinique before the British ships are properly watered, commenting on the accusations that have been levelled at him and reported in English newspapers, regarding events on 5 September, and reporting on the location of the French fleet.
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should make the least delay in compleating the water of the ships, and the French fleet should move soon from Martinique, I fear we shall be thrown into great confusion, nay into great distress, as no ship has more than 14 days water on board; This is a very serious matter, and requires to be attended to. I fully explained the situation of His Majesty’s Squadron when I joined Sir George, and he then told me part of the ships should go immediately to Barbadoes & part to St. Lucia, to put themselves in the best state possible for service — but he has now altered his mind, which I am sorry for, as I see manifest inconvenience must arise, if the Enemy move soon from Fort Royal Bay. If Count de Grasse should wait being joined by a spanish Squadron which is expected, admitting it is not arrived, we shall have sufficient time to fill our water: I write to you, my dear General, my inmost thoughts [[catchword]] but [[/catchword]]
