Letter from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to General Jacob de Budé enclosing various papers [0643-0647], describing an action between the British and French fleets off Lynnhaven Bay on 5 September, relaying his concerns regarding the intentions of the French fleet, the need to keep them out of the Chesapeake, and the lack of action from Rear-Adm. Graves, and reporting on the scuppering of the 'Terrible' on account of her un-seaworthy condition.
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Barfleur off the Delaware Septr. 16 1781 My dear General On the 5th. instant about 10 am one of the look out pacquets made the signal for a fleet, and at 11 we plainly discovered 24 sail of french ships of the Line and 2 frigates at anchor about Lynn have Bay, with their topsail 2 yards hoisted aloft, as a signal for getting under sail, soon after then began to come out, in a Line of Battle ahead, but by no means regular & connected, which afforded the British fleet a most glorious opening for making a close attack to advantage, but it was not embraced; and as the french fleet came out upon close upon a wind, and the English Line steer'd large, the action [[catchword]] commenced [[/catchword]]
