between us, when I had the honour of attending your summons on board the London, on the 8th, in the evening.

I am, Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

(Signed) SAM. HOOD.

Rear-Admiral Graves, &c., &c., &c.

Endorsed.-A copy of a letter from Rear-Admiral Sir S. Hood to Rear-Admiral Graves, 10th of September, 1781.

Admiral Graves presents his compliments to Sir Samuel Hood, and begs leave to acquaint that the Medea has just made the signal to inform him that the French fleet are at an anchor above the Horse Shoe in the Chesapeake, and desires his opinion what to do with the fleet, and how to dispose of the Princesa.

London, Thursday Morning, 6 o'clock.

Endorsed.-Copy of a note from Rear-Admiral Graves to Rear-Admiral Sir S. Hood, with Sir Samuel's answer, 13th of September, 1781.

ENCLOSURE 4.

Rear Admiral Sir Samuel Hood presents his compliments to Rear-Admiral Graves. Is extremely concerned to find by his note just received that the French fleet is at anchor in the Chesapeake above the Horse Shoe, though it is no more than what he expected, as the press of sail the fleet carried on

the 9th and in the night of the 8th made it very clear to him what De Grasse's intentions were. Sir Samuel would be very glad to send an opinion, but he really knows not what to say in the truly lamentable state we have brought ourselves.

Barfleur, Thursday Morning, 13th of September, 7 A.M.

Endorsed.-Copy of a note from Rear-Admiral Sir S. Hood to Rear-Admiral Graves, 13th of September, 1781.

ENCLOSURE 5.

At a Council of War held on board his Majesty's ship London, at Sea, the 13th of September, 1781. Upon a report received from Captain Duncan, of his Majesty's ship Medea, that they had seen the evening before the French fleet at anchor off the Horse Shoe Shoal in the Chesapeake, that the large ships appeared more numerous, and to be in divisions, but that it was too late to get near enough to form a clear judgment;

Upon this state of the position of the enemy, the present condition of the British fleet, the season of the year so near the equinox, and the impracticability of giving any effectual succour to General Earl Cornwallis in the Chesapeake ;

It was resolved that the British squadron, under the command of Thomas Graves, Esq., RearAdmiral of the Red; Sir Samuel Hood, Bart., and Francis Samuel Drake, Esq., Rear-Admirals of the Blue, should proceed with all possible despatch to New York, and there use every possible means for putting the squadron in the best state for service, provided that Captain Duncan, who is gone again

to reconnoitre, should confirm his report of the position of the enemy, and that the fleet should in the meantime facilitate the function of the Medea.

Endorsed.-The opinion of Rear-Admiral Graves, R.A., Sir Samuel Hood, and Rear-Admiral Drake, upon a consultation on board the London, 13th of September, 1781.

Duplicate.

HOOD TO JACKSON.

Barfleur, Sandy Hook, 14th of October, 1781.

My dear Jackson :-I wrote you by the last packet, a duplicate of which you will have by another packet or the Lively. Both have been said to sail day after day for several past. Whichever this goes by you shall have a duplicate by the other, from the desire I have of telling you what really passes here-though, by-the-by, I am monstrous angry with you for not writing me a line by the August packet, as you must know she would find me upon this coast.

On the 24th of last month I attended a consultation of generals and admirals at Sir H. Clinton's, when it was agreed to attempt by the united efforts of army and navy to relieve Lord Cornwallis in the Chesapeake, and I proposed to have three or four fireships immediately prepared, with which the enemy's fleet may possibly be deranged and thrown. into some confusion, and thereby give a favourable opening for pushing through it. This was approved, and upwards of 5,000 troops are to be embarked in the King's ships. While this business was under delibe

ration, word was brought that Rear-Admiral Digby with the Canada and Lion were off the Bar, and as the wind was against their entering the port, I went out to the Prince George next morning early, and had the happiness to find his Royal Highness,1 and all on board, in most perfect health. I thank God the disabled ships are now ready, and but for an accident of the Alcides driving on board the Shrewsbury and carrying away her bowsprit and foreyard, I imagine all the ships would have been here this day; but I hope and trust they will be down to-morrow, and that we shall be moving the day after if the wind will permit. Every moment, my dear Jackson, is precious; and I flattered myself when we came in that we should ere this have been in the Chesapeake, but the repairs of the squadron have gone on unaccountably tedious, which has filled me with apprehensions that we shall be too late to give relief to Lord Cornwallis. I pray God grant my fears may prove abortive!

It would, in my humble opinion, have been a most fortunate event had Mr. Graves gone off to Jamaica upon Mr. Digby's arrival as commander-in-chief by commission, and I am persuaded you will think so too, when I relate one circumstance only. On the 7th I received a letter from Mr. Graves, desiring I would meet the flag officers and some captains, upon a consultation on board the London at ten o'clock the next morning, and acquaint Captain Cornwallis and Captain Reynolds that their company was desired also. Soon after we were assembled Mr. Graves proposed, and wished to reduce to writing, the following question, 'Whether it was practicable to relieve Lord Cornwallis in the Chesapeake ? This astonished me exceedingly, as it seemed plainly to indicate a design of having difficulties started 1 Prince William, afterwards King William IV.

against attempting what the generals and admirals had most unanimously agreed to, and given under their hands on the 24th of last month, and occasioned my replying immediately that it appeared to me a very unnecessary and improper question, as it had been already maturely discussed and determined upon to be attempted with all the expedition possible; that my opinion had been very strong and pointed (which I was ready to give in writing with my name to it), that an attempt under every risk should be made to force a junction with the troops the commander-in-chief embarks in his Majesty's fleet with the army under General Earl Cornwallis at York; and admitting that junction to be made without much loss, and the provisions landed, I was also of opinion the first favourable opportunity should be embraced of attacking the French fleet, though I own to you I think very meanly of the ability of our present commanding officer. I know he is a cunning man, he may be a good theoretical man, but he is certainly a bad practical one, and most clearly proved himself on the 5th of last month to be unequal to the conducting of a great squadron. If it shall please the Almighty to give success to the arms of his Majesty in the business we are going upon, I think we shall stand a tiptoe. The Torbay and Prince William arrived on the 13th, a noble acquisition, and makes my heart bound with joy. Why the Chatham is not with us also is matter of astonishment to me. With best affections to Mrs. Jackson,

Ever yours most sincerely,

S. H.

I trust you will bear in mind that I write to you most confidentially. Desperate cases require bold remedies.