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In case of the weather proving bad, or they should meet with a superior force, I have ordered them to join you off Rhode Island, or at Gardiner's Bay; and as I hourly expect the Intrepid, and three copper-bottomed frigates from the West Indies, I have ordered Captain Affleck, 'should he fall in with them, to employ them

' and proceed, without loss of time, to sea, and cruise in such a manner as shall appear to you most proper to intercept the 'said ships, as likewise to protect the convoy daily expected from Ireland, with provisions for the fleet and army.

And whereas I daily expect the Intrepid, Boreas, Greyhound, and Cyclops, from the West Indies, should those ships join

'you, you may keep them with you, should you think it abso

lutely necessary, otherwise you are to hasten them to me with

all despatch.

Any other frigates belonging to the American squadron that may join you at sea, you are to take under your command, and 'station them in the best manner you possibly can for intercepting the said French ships, or the enemy's privateers.

Should you meet with an enemy's squadron superior to your own, you are to join Vice-Admiral Arbuthnot, whom you will 'find in Gardiner's Bay, Long Island; and give me notice of that ' event.

You are to continue on this service for three weeks, or till you 'intercept the enemy's vessels, at which time you are to call off the Hook for further orders; or if the weather prove bad, ' repair to Gardiner's Bay, and put yourself under the command ' of Vice-Admiral Arbuthnot, till further orders.

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' in cruising along the coast to the southward; ' and should they join me without that happening, I intend employing them, (the

frigates at least,) on that service, as I am 'told the privateers of the rebels swarm off • Charlestown.'

'TO VICE-ADMIRAL ARBUTHNOT.

Sandwich, off New York,

'October 8th, 1780.

Since my last which I sent you by your secretary, Mr. Green, I have the honour to acquaint you that I have had several con'ferences with Sir Henry Clinton relative to the situation of public affairs. He com'municated to me the correspondence that had passed between himself and you con

cerning the attack of Rhode Island, and the French fleet. It was with extreme concern that I learnt that the enemy had availed 'themselves of every moment to fortify them'selves in such a manner, as to make an ' attempt upon it impracticable.

'Sir Henry Clinton communicated to me

'his plan relative to his supporting the Earl Cornwallis, which appeared to me of such consequence, that I have given every assist'ance towards carrying it into execution; and ' have the pleasure to acquaint you, that the 'troops are embarked, and ready to proceed 'on that service. As the season is so far advanced, I believe there is but little probability of a French squadron of any con'siderable force arriving on this coast to support Monsieur Ternay, who before the 'winter sets in will make a push, and sail for the West Indies. Should that event 'take place, and he escape an engagement ' in these seas, it will be highly necessary he should be followed with all the despatch 'possible.

it

be

I therefore have the honour to inclose you a copy of an order which I have thought necessary for his Majesty's service to give Rear-Admiral Graves, that no time may lost in the pursuit of Monsieur Ternay, ' which order I must desire you will please to ' deliver him.

'And whereas it appears to me, at this 'critical moment, that your presence as his

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'Majesty's Commissioner, and Commander'in-chief of his ships in America (in the

absence of any superior officer), is highly necessary, that that we, in conjunction with Sir Henry Clinton, may take such measures as may accelerate the success of his Majesty's arms, and bring his rebellious subjects to a 'sense of their duty; I therefore, Sir, leave it to your consideration and choice, either to remain with the squadron employed in watching the motions of Monsieur Ternay, 'or return to New York, for the reasons I 'have suggested, and leave the blockade to 'Rear-Admiral Graves.

'As I am convinced no man has his Ma'jesty's service more at heart than yourself, I am sure you will do that which in your 'judgment shall appear best, and favour me ' with the resolution you may take.

Being a total stranger to the navigation in 'the neighbourhood of Rhode Island, I must 'leave it to you, whether (now the equi'noctial gales are passed, and the moon 'increasing) the squadron under your com'mand should not put to sea, and cruise, if it

can be done, without imminent danger, off

Rhode Island; it appearing to me they will be more in the way of intercepting succours * intended for the enemy; of being joined, should there be occasion, by the squadron 'now cruising off the Delaware, or of inter⚫cepting Monsieur Ternay, should he attempt ' to put to sea.

'Should you return to join me at New 'York, you will please to come in whatever ship may be most agreeable to yourself, and bring with you Commodore Sir Chaloner Ogle, in the Resolution, leaving whatever ship you may think necessary under the command of Rear-Admiral Graves and 'Commodore Drake, to watch the motions of the enemy's squadron at Rhode Island, giving orders to Admiral Graves not to lose ' one moment's time in the pursuit of Mon'sieur Ternay, should he leave that port: in

that case he is to proceed agreeably to the 'inclosed secret orders, which are not to be opened till such an event takes place.

'Should you choose to remain with the 'squadron, you will please to order Commodore Sir Chaloner Ogle, in the Resolution, to join me in this port.