Extracts from letters from Rear-Adm. Sir Samuel Hood to Adm. Sir George B. Rodney [enclosure of 0617], requesting that the British fleet's position might be changed if St Eustatius is unlikely to be attacked, enclosing a letter [not on file] reporting on the approach of an enemy squadron and a likely merchant convoy and suggesting consequent action, on the capability of enemy ships to move in and out of certain ports, on sickness (from scurvy) in British ships and on ship movements in the area generally.
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Stored, Victualled and Collected together; was stationed to Windward, with a proper number of Frigates to look out; The Chance would not be abundantly more in my favor, for effectually crushing any Squadron of the Enemys coming to Martinique: than by Cruizing before Fort Royal, But I most readily submit to your superior Knowledge and Experience, and shall chearfully obey your command on all occasions with the utmost fidelity. [[note]] Extract of a Letter Dated 6th April 1781. [[/note]] The Letter that accompanies this, was sent to Rear Admiral Drake by General St. Leger, which I send for your information, and though I have not a doubt of a very formidable Squadron of Men of War coming I do not believe it is Commanded by the Count D; Estaing, that Officer, I understand by Letters from London, having retired in disgust; But let the Squadron be more or less formidable, It is pretty certain, it has under it’s protection, a very great number of Merchant Ships, from whence it may be concluded the Men of War will be numerous, [[catchword]] probably [[/catchword]]
