Transcription

Under this situation of things I had no longer any Business in Basseterre Road, especially as the Enemy were preparing to get Cannon and Mortars upon a Hill that would annoy the Ships in the van, and I left it, that night, unperceived I imagine as not a French Ship was to be seen in the morning-- With such a great superiority against me I had nothing left to do but to endeavour to join Sir George Rodney as expeditiously as I was able, and as it was of very great importance to the Kings service that I should carry his Majesty's Squadron to him in as perfect a state as I could, I judged it necessary in order that every ship should be under sail as nearly as possible at the same [[underline]] moment, [[/underline]], for the better preservg a compact Body; I gave Orders for the Squadron to [[underline]] act [[/underline]] exactly at Eleven oClock, in which Rear Admiral Drake most readily concurred, thinking it highly expedient; as we had every reason to expect to be attacked, the Enemy's Ships being not more than five miles from us and their Lights very distinctly seen-- Except Governor Shirleys Letter, and the message General Prescott's officer brought from General Frazer on the 24th. of last month, I never heard a syllable from Brimstone Hill, or [[underline]] any one person [[/underline]] in the Island, and what is still more wonderful to tell, the Garrison in all probability could not have been reduced, but for the [[underline]] Eight [[/underline]] Brass 24 pound Cannon, [[underline]] Two [[/underline]] Brass 13 such mortars, 1300 shells, and 6000, twenty four pound cannon Balls: the Enemy found at the foot of the Hill, which Government had sent out, and which the Inhabitants of the Island would not give proper assistance to get up--for the ship the Enemys [[unclear]] were onboard of was sunk, and with great labour not more than four or five in a day could be fished up; and L'Espion which had all the shells could be got from Martinique was taken by one of my look out Frigates close under Nevis on the Morning of the 24th. ulto. -- This is all the information I am able to send, and I mean not to insinuate in the most distant manner that the Garrison [[underline]] could [[/underline]] have held out even a single day beyond what it did, as the works and Buildings were totally destroyed, and no further defence as I understand could possibly be made-- I anchored his majesty's Squadron in St. Johns Road on the 19th. after Sun sett, to get some Flour and Yams in lieu of Bread. sailed again this noon to seek Sir George Rodney at Barbadoes and get a supply of water, and I hope to find the Convoy arrived to have all our wants furnished-- The Fortunee and Pegasus which I left to watch the French Fleet, have this instant joined, and report that thirty six Sail of the Line quitted Basseterre Road yesterday morning with upwards of fifty Sail of Briggs, Sloops, & Schooners and steered for Martinique--