I. To The Peace Of 1748: Letters

Letters

To the Secretary of the Admiralty (P.R.O., Ad. I, 1483)

Weazle in Mounts Bay. February 4th, 1746/7.

Sir,—Please to acquaint their Lordships that, pursuant to an Order from Vice-Admiral Anson bearing date the 29th of January, I put myself under the command of Captain Cotes of H.M.S. Edinburgh, who I lost sight of in a hard gale of wind the 1st instant at night, Ushant then bearing E.½S. distance 21 leagues, and his Rendezvous being from ten to thirty leagues west from Cape Finisterre till 16th instant, and then not finding him to proceed to Hamoaze where Orders would be lodged for me to clean and refit. But only having between four and five Tuns of Water on board, and that so bad that it was the occasion of encreasing our Sick to 24, and being likewise short of several other species as you will see by the inclosed Account, and the wind continuing at S.W. and W. so hard that it was with difficulty that we could carry our reefed Courses; it therefore was the opinion of all my Officers as well as myself, that it would be impossible to get to the aforesaid Rendezvous, and back again to Plymouth, without being drove to the utmost extremity. I therefore thought proper to proceed to Plymouth, but not having had an observation for several days, fell in with Mounts Bay, and the wind being too far to the southward to weather the Lizard, were obliged to come to an anchor, from whence I shall use my utmost endeavour to proceed to Plymouth with all possible dispatch.
I am, &c.,
Saml. Barrington.

Commodore Matthew Michell to the Secretary of the Admiralty (P.R.O., Ad. I, 2104)

Nightingale, Flushing road. 26th April 1747, o.s.

Sir,—Be pleased to acquaint their Lordships that Captain Knowler of H.M. Ship the Lys is just come in here and has brought a French Privateer of 10 Guns and no Men in with him; for the particulars I refer their Lordships to Captain Knowler's letter to me of this day's date. There is also just anchored H.M. Sloop the Weazle who has also brought in a French Dogger, one of those that the Lys fell in with. . . . The Dogger (fn. 1) which Captain Barrington has brought in has 58 Men, six Carriage and four Swivel Guns. Captain Barrington chaced two others, one a Brig and the other a Snow, both which he believes threw their Guns overboard, for at first he came up with them very fast, but afterwards they went from him. . . .
I am, &c.,
Matthew Michell.

ENCLOSURE

An Account of the Lys and Weazle Sloop falling in with nine French Privateers from Dunkirk, off Dunkirk, Friday the 24th of April 1747.

About nine or ten in the morning, the Weazle joined us. We then discovered several sail to the westward. It being hazey, we could not tell how many; but observing they came from Dunkirk, I ordered the Weazle to chace with me. About eleven, observed there to be nine sail which at first I took to be Dover Privateers, Folkestone Cutters and Dutch Doggers; but continuing our chace, caused them to disperse, which proved to me that they were French Privateers. The Weazle chaced three to the N.N.W. and I chaced five to the N.W., the two biggest of which kept close together, the sternmost of which I came up with about two o'clock, and exchanged several Bow chaces for her Stern chaces. About a quarter after which, being pretty near, I had an opportunity of yawing, and gave her a broad side, at which she struck, and in about a quarter of an hour, tossed the Barge out and dropped her on board, manned with an Officer to take possession of her, and gave chace to the other, the Prize following me. But as the other sailed much better than the Prize, after two hours chace and within gun shot, was obliged to leave her and return to the Prize, the Officer having made the Signal of there being too many Men on board to leave her at that distance. She proves to be one of a Squadron of nine sail from Dunkirk, that morning, some bound off the Texel and others to the Nor'ward (as they say). The Weazle having mistook the Signal, before I left off chace, was near out of sight, else I could not have missed of the other large Privateer which, before I left off chacing, threw her Guns and Carridges over board. The Prisoners being about one hundred & eight on board, and some being very drunk, and troublesome, was glad to confine them in the Hold as soon as I could, and make the best of my way to you to Flushing, having a leading wind, leaving the Weazle (as I judged it to be) at the close of the evening almost out of sight with a Dogger near her to the N.N.W.

P.S.—She proves to be the Charlotte of ten guns and one hundred and ten men.
Thomas Knowler.

(A copy.—Matthew Michell.)

To the Secretary of the Admiralty (P.R.O., Ad. I, 1483)

Weazle, in the Downs. June 5th, 1747.

Sir,—Be pleased to acquaint their Lordships that I received an Order from Commodore Michell dated the 28th of May at Flushing (from which place I sailed the 1st instant) to receive on board H.M. Sloop under my command nine Men which were sent to him by H.R.H. The Duke of Cumberland, which pursuant to his Order I have delivered to the Commanding Officer of H.M. Troops at Dover to be disposed of, as opposite to their names, which are mentioned on the other side, and likewise to take under my convoy the Betty Transport that has H.R.H. The Duke of Cumberland's horses on board, and the Dover Waterboat, and see them safely to Dover; but the wind ever since I have been from Flushing having continued to the westward of the south so that I could not fetch there, the 3rd instant I ordered the Betty Transport to land the horses at Margate, for fear by any accident we should be obliged to keep the sea longer and the horses come to damage. I had likewise several other vessels under my convoy, a list of whom I have inclosed to you, as likewise a Weekly Account. I was obliged to come to an anchor the 3rd instant off the North Foreland, not being able to fetch into the Downs, where I arrived yesterday, and I have received their Lordships' Orders of the 28th of May countermanding all former Orders, and to proceed to Portsmouth to clean and refit, and take under my convoy all the Trade that are ready and desirous of accompanying me to Spithead. I should be very much obliged to you, Sir, if you will send to me there the Books of Marine Treaties and Acts, as also a Press Warrant, as I have not had an opportunity of getting them before.
I am, &c.,
Saml. Barrington.

To the Secretary of the Admiralty (P.R.O., Ad. I, 1483)

Bellona, in Portsmouth Harbour. June 21st, 1747.

Sir,—His Majesty's Ship Bellona under my command, being ordered to be fitted out in the same manner she was when in the possession of the French, I beg leave to acquaint their Lordships that she will be very inconvenient, and quite unfit to proceed to Sea as an English Man of War, without the following necessary alterations, which I hope their Lordships will direct to be done, viz^t:

There is no Magazine, or Light Room, no Sail Room, nor Storerooms of any kind, fit for a Ship of War, no Jeer Bitts fore or abaft, no Coppers, but Kettles which will not dress a sufficient quantity for the Ship's Company, no Officers' Cabins, but the Boatswain's and Carpenter's, no Captain's Store room, nor Bread Room, with many other trifling things all wanting to fit the Ship for Sea.
I am, &c.,
Saml. Barrington.

To the Secretary of the Admiralty (P.R.O., Ad. I, 1483)

Bellona, in Guaves Lake, Mounts Bay. August 24th, 1747.

Sir,—Please to acquaint their Lordships that pursuant to an Order from Captain Harry Norris of H.M.S. Prince Frederick dated the 12th instant, I put myself under the command of Captain Faulkner of H.M.S. Amazon in order to proceed and inspect into the Port of Brest, but not having an opportunity of inspecting into that Port, on the 17th instant, at 10 at night, standing to the northward with the wind westerly, I saw a light about 3 points upon my lee bow, and supposing it to be the Light on Ushant, I immediately tacked and made the signal to the Amazon of discovering danger, as I had then lost sight of her about half an hour, and have never seen her since.

The 18th instant at 9 in the morning, I saw a sail to windward standing to the eastward with the wind at S.S.E., whom I immediately gave chace to. At 1 in the afternoon, I discovered her to be an enemy, as she had then shortened sail for me. At ¾ past she hoisted French Colours and fired at me, but at that time only being within just Point Blank, did not think proper to return it. About 2 (Ushant bearing east distance 9 leagues) I began to engage her closely and continued so till ½ past 4, at which time she struck, and proved to be the Duke de Chartrez, one of the East India Company's Ships from Port L'Orient bound to the East Indies, but having been out 7 days and till then met with nothing but westerly winds, was returning to Brest. She had 30 guns (4 of which were 12 pounders, 20^G: 8^P: and 6: 4 pounders) and 195 Men, Burthen about 700 Tuns, laden with Beef, Flour, Brandy, Wine and Oil. She had likewise on board 3 Mortars and a great number of Shells. During the Action my Officers and Men all behaved with a great deal of courage. I had 3 Men killed and 9 wounded (one of whom was my 2nd Lieutenant, by a Musket Ball through his Leg), most of whom are in a fair way of recovery.

My masts, rigging and sails were very much shattered, as likewise the hull of the Ship, as their Lordships may see by the inclosed Carpenter's Defect.

My Prize is likewise very much shattered, so much that I shall be obliged to stay here till I can receive an answer from their Lordships, by which time she will be fit to proceed with me to what Port their Lordships shall please to order me to refit. During the Engagement my Prize had 9 Men killed and 16 wounded, and was so much disabled that I was obliged to put in here, where I arrived the 22nd instant but too late to save that day's Post to acquaint their Lordships of my arrival.
I am, &c.,
Saml. Barrington.

To the Secretary of the Admiralty (P.R.O., Ad. I, 1483)

Bellona, Mounts Bay. August 30th, 1747.

Sir,—I this day received yours of the 27th instant with their Lordships' Directions for me to send you all the Papers and Intelligence that I could get from the French Officers of the Duke de Chartrez.

In return to which I must acquaint you that I delivered all the Papers and Letters that I received from her, to the Commissioners for Examining Prizes at Penzance. The Papers necessary for the condemnation of the Prize, they have sent to my Agent in London; and the Letters which, after being perused by them and finding them of no consequence, they returned to the Officers again, but had there been any Letter or Papers of consequence, you may be assured that I would have sent them immediately to you by express.

I am now in a condition to proceed, so only wait for their Lordships' answer to my Letter of the 24th wherein I have given them an account of my arrival, proceedings, and all the Intelligence I could get from the Officers, which was nothing else but about their own Ship.
I am, &c.,
Saml. Barrington.

To the Secretary of the Admiralty (P.R.O., Ad. I, 1483)

Bellona, in Torbay. November 17th, 1747.

Sir,—Please to acquaint their Lordships that on the 16th instant, being under the command of Captain Mostyn of H.M.S. Hampton Court, Scilly bearing N. 15° W. distance 16 leagues, a hard gale of wind came on at S.W. which twisted the Head of my Mainmast and loosed the Paunch of both Mainmast and Foremast. I immediately made the signal to speak with him, who told me to proceed to Plymouth, which I should have done had it not been for the violence of the wind, which drove me to the eastward of it, so that I was obliged to put in here—from whence I shall take the first opportunity of proceeding to Plymouth. I have inclosed my Carpenter's Defects, by which their Lordships may see that my being so greatly overmasted is the chief occasion of my being obliged to put back. I therefore hope their Lordships will order her Masts to be reduced to that of a 20-gun Ship, without which in my opinion she'll never be able to make a Winter Cruize.
I am, &c.,
Saml. Barrington.

By the Hon. Sir Edward Hawke, Knight of the Bath, RearAdmiral of the White, and Commander in Chief of a Squadron of His Majesty's Ships employed in the Channel Soundings and Seas Adjacent.

Pursuant to an Order from the Right Hon. the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, bearing date the 26th November, 1747, You are hereby required and directed to put yourself under my Command and follow such Orders and Directions as you shall from time to time receive from me, for your further proceedings; sending me Weekly by proper opportunities the State and Condition of your Ship, for which this shall be your Order. Given under my hand on board His Majesty's Ship Devonshire in Portsmouth Harbour this 28th November 1747.

By command of the Admiral, John Hay.

By Philip Vanbrugh, Esq^re, Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels at Plymouth, &c.

Pursuant to the directions of the Rt. Hon. the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty signified to me by their Secretary the 27th past.

You are hereby required and directed to give me your opinion of the usefulness of Mr. Holbes new invented Locks for guns, or what inconveniences they are subject to and upon the whole whether it would be of advantage to His Maj^s. Service to make use of them. Dated in His Maj^s. Dockyard at Hamoze the 2nd December 1747.

By Captain Henry Harrison, Commander of His Majesty's Ship Monmouth and Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels at the Port of Plymouth.

Pursuant to an Order from Sir Edward Hawke, Knt. of the Bath, Rear-Admiral of the White and Commander in Chief of His Maj^s. Western Squadron. You are hereby required and directed notwithstanding any former orders, to proceed with His Maj^s. Ship under your Command into the Sound and lye there in readiness to join Sir Edward Hawke the moment he shall appear off this Port for which this shall be your Order. Given under my hand on board His Maj^s. Ship Monmouth in Hamoze this 2nd of January 1747[/8].

By Sir Edward Hawke, Knight of the Bath, &c.

Whereas I have received undoubted intelligence that there are now fitting out, at Brest, several French Ships of War and as it is of the utmost consequence to His Majesty's Service that I should be made acquainted with their number, strength and designs.

You are hereby required and directed to take under your command His Maj^s. Ship Amazon, the Captain of which is hereby required to follow your orders, and proceed directly to look into Brest, being very particular in taking an account of the number and strength of the enemy's ships in that Port, and using your best endeavours to gain all the intelligence you can of their motions and designs. You are to continue on that Station till you shall have got such information as you may think necessary I should be acquainted with, more especially if you should chance to see any Fleet or Convoy belonging to the enemy coming out of the Port or meet with them at sea, you are in that case to follow them till you shall have discovered their number, strength and the course they shall steer. Then you are, without one moment's loss of time, to make the best of your way to join me, agreeable to the rendezvous you receive herewith, taking very particular notice of the winds till you shall have joined me, that I may be the better enabled to pursue the measures, most proper for intercepting them.

You are to continue cruizing for me so long as your water and provisions shall last, and if you should not meet with me, then to proceed to Plymouth Sound to boot hose top your ship and to compleat your stores and provisions to three months of all species, beer excepted, of which you are to have as much as you can conveniently stow and to be supplied with a proportion of English malt spirits in lieu of the remainder; acquainting the Right Hon^ble the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty with your arrival and proceedings. And for so doing this shall be your order. Given under my hand on board His Maj^s. Ship Kent in Plymouth Sound the 14 January 1747[/8].

By command of the Admiral, John Hay.

By Sir Edward Hawke, Knight of the Bath, &c.

The Rendezvous is between the latitudes of 47° 30' and 46° 30' North, taking care to keep about eighty leagues to the westward of Belle Isle, where you are to continue looking for me till you shall find or hear from me, and in case of neither, you are to cruise as long as your water and provisions will last, using your utmost endeavour to take or destroy all such ships or vessels as you may meet with belonging to His Maj^s. enemies and aiding and protecting those of His subjects and allies. Given under my hand on board His Maj^s. Ship Kent in Plymouth Sound the 14th of January 1747 [1747/8].

Signals
When I would speak with the Captain of any of His Maf. Ships or Vessels undermentioned, I will put abroad a Pendant as against that Ship or Vessel's name; if with a Lieutenant the same Signal and a weft of the Ensign; and for a Boat without an officer the weft will be hoisted only half staff up.

For all other Signals I refer you to the General printed Sailing and Fighting Instructions, with the additional Signals thereunto annexed and such other Signals and Instructions as you shall receive from me. Dated on board H.M.S. Kent in Plymouth Sound the 14th Jan^y 1747 [1747/8].

By command of the Admiral, John Hay.

Line of Battle
The Portland to lead with the Starboard and the Centurion with the Larboard Tacks on board.

N.B.—If any of the above-mentioned Ships should at any time be absent from the Squadron and as I may often have occasion to detach Ships from the Squadron, you are to observe what Ships are absent at any time that when the Signal shall be made for the Line of Battle you may close and form the Line of Battle with the Ships that remain in Company. Dated on board His Maj^s. Ship Kent in Plymouth Sound the 14 January 1747 [1747/8].

By command of the Admiral, John Hay.

To the Secretary of the Admiralty (P.R.O., Ad. I, 1484)

Romney, in Plymouth Sound, the 27th January 1747/8.

Sir,—Please to acquaint their Lordships that pursuant to an Order from Sir Edward Hawke bearing date the 14th of January, I took H.M.S. Amazon (fn. 2) under my command to look into the Port of Brest, which she did on the 22nd; but finding no Ships there ready for the Sea, I was cruizing off that Port in order to get what Intelligence I could of the intentions of some Ships of War which Sir Edward Hawke mentions in his Order to me was fitting out at Brest, when on the 23rd, being in company with H.M.S. Rainbow, who joined us that morning, and the Amazon, we took the Count de Noailles, Privateer of 16 guns belonging to Granville, whose Officers inform me that four Sail of Men of War, viz^t the Magnanime of 80 guns, Alcide of 64 guns, L'Arconcille of 52 guns and Acquillon of 46 guns, all fitted for a foreign Voyage, sailed 15 days before, but where they are gone they cannot tell, tho' it's reported by some that they are gone to the East Indies, and by others that they are gone to the West Indies.

I then was making the best of my way to join Sir Edward Hawke when on the 25th, being in company with the Amazon, Conquet bearing N^o 38° 55' E^t distance 29 leagues, we took the Gerardus (fn. 3) French East India Ship of about four hundred Tons laden with provisions, who was come from Port L'Orient bound for India, but after they had been out about six days the wind came at S.W. and blew strong, so that they were going back to Port L'Orient. They came out with two other East India Ships, but the Gerardus sailed so very bad that she lost company with them the first day they came out.

As I thought it quite uncertain my joining Sir Edward Hawke soon, and having a number of Prisoners on board our two Ships, I thought it my duty to see the India Ship into Plymouth where I arrived this day with the Amazon and Prize; and as soon as I can send my Prisoners on shore and complete my provisions, shall without a moment's loss of time proceed with the Amazon to join Sir Edward Hawke agreeable to his Rendezvous.
I am, &c.,
Saml. Barrington.

By the Commissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, &c.

Whereas by the eleventh article of your printed General Instructions, under the head of Convoys, you are directed to receive under your care all such ships of His Maj^s. Allies or Friends, whose Masters shall desire it, and be ready to sail with you, and to give them equal Protection with those of His Maj^s. Subjects, from the Ships of any Nation in War with His Majesty; and whereas, notwithstanding the said article, we have received complaints that some of the Commanders of His Maj^s. ships homeward bound from Lisbon have refused to give Convoy to such Dutch Ships as have desired to accompany them, under pretence that they had no orders for so doing; We do hereby require and direct you in pursuance of His Maj^s. pleasure signified to us by the Earl of Chesterfield, His Majesty's principal Secretary of State, strictly to observe the aforesaid Article of your Instructions for the future, and whenever you are charged with any Convoy of His Maj^s. Subjects, to take likewise under your care and protection all Dutch trading Vessells that are bound your way, whose Masters shall be ready and desirous to accompany you. Given under our hands the 15th of January 1747 [1747/8].

By command of their Lordships, J. Clevland.

By Sir Peter Warren, Knight of the Bath, Vice-Admiral of the White Squadron of His Majesty's Fleet and Commander in Chief of a Squadron of His Majesty's Ships and Vessels employed in the Channel, in the Soundings, or wherever else His Majesty's Service shall require.

You are hereby required and directed to fit the Ship under your Command for sea with the utmost dispatch and when so fitted in every respect, to proceed with her without loss of time, agreeable to the sealed Rendezvous, which you will herewith receive, and which you are not to open till you get to the Westward of Ushant.

You are upon all occasions to protect the Trade of His Majesty's Subjects, and of the Republick of Holland as far as you can consistent with the other Services that you may be employed in, and to use your endeavour to take or otherwise destroy all such Ships and Vessells as you shall meet with belonging to His Maj^s. Enemies. You are at all times when not in Company with me, as well when in Port, as at Sea, to give the Secretary of the Admiralty for their Lordships' information, as well as to me, an Account of your proceedings, and of any material Intelligence which you may in cruizing or otherwise procure of the motions or designs of the enemy, and for so doing this shall be your Warrant. Given under my hand on board His Maj^s. Ship Devonshire in Portsmouth Harbour the 28th day of January 1747 [1747/8].

By command of the Admiral, R^D. Charles.

Signals for Knowing Each Other
By Day
The Ship that is to windward shall haul up her Foresail, lower down her Maintopsail and hoist a Dutch ensign, from the Crosstrees at the Maintopmast head downwards, and the Ship to leeward shall answer by hauling up her Mainsail, and lowering down her Fore and Mizen Topsails, and hoisting an English Jack in her Foretopgalant Shrouds and a Dutch Flag at her Mizentopmast head; then the Ship to Windward shall make a Weft with her Maintopgalant sail and the Ship to Leeward shall answer by hoisting her Mizentopmast or Maintopgallant Staysail, if to be better seen.

By Night
The Ship to Windward shall show two Lights in the Fore Shrouds of equal height, and two in the Main Shrouds one over the other, and the ship to Leeward is to answer by hoisting three lights one above the other in the Mizen Shrouds and one at the Mizen Peek; then the ship to Windward is to burn two false Fires, one after the other, and the ship to Leeward is to answer by burning two at the same time, but at such a distance from each other in the ship as to be plainly distinguished. And when within hail, the Ship that Hails first shall ask, What Ship's that? then the ship that is hailed shall answer King George; and the ship who first hailed shall reply And the Prince of Orange, then the other shall answer God Preserve. Dated on board His Majesty's Ship Devonshire in Portsmouth Harbour the 28th of January 1747/8.

By command of the Admiral, R. Charles.

By Capt. James Webb, Commander of His Majesty's Ship Surprize.

Pursuant to an Order received from S^r Peter Warren, Kn^t of the Bath and Vice Admiral of the White Squadron of His Majesty's Fleet. You are hereby required and directed forthwith to put yourself under my Command with His Maj^s. Ship Romney to proceed to sea, and for your further proceedings to follow all such Orders as you shall from time to time receive from me, for which this shall be your Warrant. Dated on board His Majesty's Ship Surprize in Plymouth Sound the 5th of February 1747.

The Place of Rendezvous in case of losing Company is in the Latitude of 48 westward of Ushant two hundred Leag^s.
Ja: Webb.

Additional Signals by Day by Captain Ja^s. Webb, Commander of His Maj^s. Ship Surprize.

Losing Company and meeting again.

The weathermost Ship shall hoist a Dutch Ensign at the Mizen Peek, the Leewardmost shall answer by hoisting a Dutch Jack at the Ensign Staff; after which each ship shall hoist her proper colours.

Upon discovering a strange Ship or Ships.

When you see a strange Ship or Ships, that I may know what quarter of the Compass you see them in, I would have you make the following signals:—

which when I answer by hoisting a French Jack at the Ensign Staff you are to lower your Signal as oft as you see ships.

Signals for coming up with the Chace.

If at any time when I make the Signal for you to give over chace you should find you come up with the chace so as to be able to speak with her, you are to hoist a French Ensign at the Mizen Peek and fire a gun; but if I should repeat the Signal by firing one or two guns, you are then notwithstanding to leave off chace and stand to me.

To make the Land.

When I would have you make Sail upon either quarter of the Compass in order to make the Land, I will make the Signal for speaking with you, and hoist the Signal Flag for chacing in that quarter in the Mizen Shrouds, and a Danish Ensign at the Mizen Peek and fire a gun; then you are to make what sail you can, and when you shall have made the Land, you are to return to me with your Ensign spread at your Fore or Maintopmast head, as shall be best seen, and the Cap^t. is to acquaint me what land he judges it to be.

To speak with the Captain.

When I would speak with the Captain of the Romney I will hoist a red Pendant at the Maintopmast head.

Signals for Chacing

And to leave off chace a White Flag at the Foretopmast head and fire a gun.

Discovering Danger.

As the Signal for discovering danger requires some time to make, as directed by the printed Instructions, in case of falling into Shoal water or discovering danger, the Signal shall be by hoisting the Ensign half staff up and firing two guns.

Signals by Night

Upon discovering of strange ships.

If you discover a strange ship or ships you shall hoist In the NE One Light at the Mizen Peek
Which I shall answer by hoisting one Light at the Ensign staff, then you are to burn as many false Fires as you see strange Ships.

To give Chace.

And if I would have you give chace, I will burn two false Fires, and if should discover any strange Ship or Ships and give chace I will hoist the Signal Lights to shew on what quarter of the Compass and fire a gun.

To give over chace.
When I would have you give over chace, I will fire two guns a less space of time one from the other than when the Signal is made for anchoring.

And for our better knowing each other, on coming up with or engaging the Enemy every ship shall carry a Light hoisted on the Ensign Staff, and the headmost ship another in the Stern Lanthorn; but the Light in the Stern Lanthorn shall only be carried while he keeps sight of the Chace, and I will besides my proper Lights carry one at the Bowspreet and which I will likewise do when any Ships are ordered or by accident ahead of us.

For all Lieut^s.

When I would have the Lieutenant come on board me I will hoist four Lights at the Ensign Staff and fire a gun.

Losing Company and meeting again.

The Weathermost to shew two Lights of equal height, and the Leewardmost to answer with two Lights one under the other, both where best distinguished, after which each ship shall put out his Lights, and burn a false fire, then he who hails first shall ask What ship's that? and he who is hailed shall answer by telling the Captain's name.

For Boats armed.

If I would have the Pinnaces and Barges come on board me armed I will fire one gun and shew two Lights one at each Maintopsail Yardarm.

Dated on board His Maj^s. Ship Surprize in Plymouth Sound the 5^th of February 1747/8.

By Sir Peter Warren, Knight of the Bath, Vice-Admiral of the White and Commander in Chief, &c.

The Rendezvous is between the Latitude of 47° 30' and 46° 30' North, taking care to keep about eighty Leag^s to the westward of Belle Isle, where you are to continue looking for me till you shall find or hear from me, and in case of neither, you are to cruize as long as your water and provisions will last, using your utmost endeavours to take or destroy all such ships and vessels as you may meet with belonging to His Maj^s enemies; and aiding and protecting those of His Subjects and Allies. Dated on board His Maj^s Ship Devonshire in Portsmouth Harbour the 28th of January 1747/8.

By command of the Admiral, R. Charles.

Signals

When I would speak with the Captain of any of His Majesty's Ships or Vessels undermentioned, I will put abroad a Pendant as against that Ship or Vessel's name; if with a Lieutenant the same Signal and a Weft of the Ensign; and for a Boat without an officer, the Weft shall be hoisted only half staff up.

For all other Signals I refer you to the General printed Sailing and Fighting Instructions, with the Additional Signals thereunto annexed, and such other Signals and Instructions as you have, or may receive from me. Dated on board His Majesty's Ship Devonshire the 10th Febry 1747/8.

By Command of the Admiral, R. Charles.

Line of Battle

The Centurion to lead with the Starboard and the Assendelft with the Larboard Tacks on board.

Dated on board His Majesty's Ship Devonshire the 10th of Febry 1747/8.

By command of the Admiral, R. Charles.

Signals

When I would speak with the Captain of any of His Majesty's Ships or Vessels undermentioned, I will put abroad a Pendant as against the Ship or Vessel's name; If with a Lieutenant the same Signal and a Weft of the Ensign; and for a Boat without an Officer, the Weft will be hoisted only half staff up.

For all other Signals I refer you to the General printed Sailing and Fighting Instructions, with the Additional Signals thereunto annexed, and such other Signals and Instructions as you have, or may receive from me. Dated on board His Maj^s Ship Invincible at Sea the 30 April 1748.

By command of the Admiral, R. Charles.

Rendezvous

W.B.S. eight to fifteen Leag^s from Ushant, where you are to look out for me three days, and not finding me, to proceed to, and cruize for, me, N.W. off Cape Finisterre from eight to fifteen Leag^s. Dated on board the Invincible at Spithead the 6th day of April 1748.

By the Hon^ble Geo. Edgcumbe Esq^re, Captain of His Maj^s Ship Salisbury.

Whereas it is the directions of the Lords of the Admiralty that as many of His Majestys Ships under the Command of S^r Peter Warren that join each other shall keep company together and proceed after the said Admiral to his Rendezvous.

You are hereby required and directed to sail in company with me (till further Orders) and to use your utmost endeavour not to loose Company. Dated on board His Maj^s Ship Salisbury in Plymouth Sound the 12th May 1748.

Signals

Line of Battle

The Assurance to lead with the Starboard and the Romney with the Larboard Tacks on board.

Geo. Edgcumbe.

Additional Signals

For all other Signals I refer you to the General printed Sailing and Fighting Instructions, and those given you by Sir Peter Warren, excepting the two following cases. That all Signals that are directed to be made with a Flag checquered Blue and Yellow, I shall make with a Flag quartered Blue and White; and all Signals that are directed to be made with a Flag checquered Red and White, I shall make with a Flag quartered Red and White. Dated on board the Salisbury in Plymouth Sound the 12 May 1748.

Signals
When I would speak with the Captain of any of His Maj^s Ships undermentioned, I will put abroad a Pendant as against that Ship's name; If with a Lieutenant the same Signal and a Weft with the Ensign; and for a Boat without an officer the Weft will be hoisted but half staff up.

To chace on any quarter of the Compass

For all other Signals I refer you to the General printed Sailing and Fighting Instructions with the additional Signals thereto annexed by S^r Peter Warren. Dated on board His Maj^s Ship Monmouth at Sea the 20 May 1748.

Line of Battle
The Salisbury to lead with the Starboard and the Bristol with the Larboard Tacks on board.

Dated on board His Maj^s Ship Monmouth at Sea the 20 May 1748.

By the Hon^ble Geo. Edgcumbe, Capt. of His Maj^s Ship Salisbury.

Pursuant to an Order from Sir Peter Warren, Knight of the Bath and Vice Admiral of the White, &c., &c., &c.

You are hereby required and directed to put yourself under my Command and sail in Company with me in the Salisbury, taking particular care not to chace out of sight or lose company upon any account whatsoever, directing your officer to keep as near me as possible in the Night to prevent separation. Dated on board the Salisbury at Sea the 26th May 1748.

Signals
When I would speak with the Captain of any of His Majesty's Ships undermentioned, I will put abroad a Pendant as against that Ship's name; if with a Lieutenant the same and a Weft in the Ensign; and for a Boat without an officer, the same Pendant and the Weft hoisted but half staff up.

Line of Battle
The Bristol to lead with the Starboard and the Assurance with the Larboard Tacks on board.

Dated on board the Salisbury at Sea the 26th of May 1748.

Salisbury. 26th May 1748.

Mem^o.

If I should have occasion to make the Signal for the smaller Ships to quit the Line, or for any particular ship to attack an Enemy's Convoy, as directed in the first and second Article of Sir Peter Warren's additional fighting Instructions by day; You are to observe that for want of a Yellow & White Flag I shall hoist a Swedish Ensign.

By Night
When sailing large or before the wind, I would have the Squadron bring too, and lye by in fair weather, I will make the Signal as directed in Sir Peter Warren's Additional Signals by Night, but if I would have them haul the Wind and sail with the Starboard Tacks, on board, I will hoist a Light at the Ensign Staff and another in the Mizen Shrouds and fire a gun. And if I would have them haul the Wind and sail with their Larboard Tacks on board, I will hoist two Lights one over the other in the Fore Shrouds and fire two guns.

If any ship chace in the Night, she is to carry a Light at her Maintopgallantmast head, to prevent losing company, which is to be also carried by any Ship who continues chacing after dark (tho' she began her chace in the daytime) and another on the Ensign staff, which is only to be carried whilst she keeps sight of her chace.

Rendezvous
In case of separation by bad weather or unavoidable accident, the place of Rendezvous is S.E^t from Cape St. Vincent always keeping it in sight, until the second day of June, then from 15 Leag^s West of the said Cape in a direct line to Cape Cantin which is the Rendezvous of Cap^t. Cotes and of the ships under his Command, and if you meet him you are to acquaint him that it is Sir Peter Warren's directions, that before he proceeds to Lisbon (agreeable to the Admiral's Orders by the Ambuscade) to continue cruizing on such Stations to the Southward of Cape St. Vincent as he shall think most likely for intercepting the enemy's ships within the Places and times mentioned in His Majesty's Royal Proclamation for a Cessation of Arms and of the Orders of the R^t. Hon^ble. the Lords of the Admiralty thereupon.

And you are to be very careful in looking out for Cap^t. Cotes 10 or 12 days on his Station before you proceed to the following Rendezvous, viz^t.:

West from 12 to 20 Leag^s off Palma, one of the Canary Islands, taking care never to come nigher the Land than to see it from your Mast head, to prevent being discovered, and on this Station you are to cruize until you join Sir Peter Warren. Dated on board His Majesty's Ship Salisbury at Sea the 26th of May 1748.

Signals
When I would speak with the Captain of any of His Majesty's Ships undermentioned, I will put abroad a Pendant as against that Ship's name, If with a Lieutenant the same with a Weft in the Ensign, and for a Boat without an officer the same Pendant and the Weft hoisted but half staff up.

Line of Battle
The Assurance to lead with the Starboard and the Romney with the Larboard Tacks on board.

Dated on board His Majesty's Ship Salisbury at Sea the 30th of May 1748.

Rendezvous
In case of separation by any unavoidable Accident the place of Rendezvous is 15 Leag^s West of Cape St. Vincent in a direct Line to Cape Cantin where you are to continue cruizing till you join Capt. Cotes, when you are to put yourself under his Command and deliver to him the Copy of my Orders from Sir Peter Warren which you will receive herewith.

Dated on board His Maj^s Ship Salisbury at Sea the 30th of May 1748.

By the Hon^ble Sam¹ Barrington, &c.

Whereas the Mizen Course in your charge is much too large for the Yard by its being cut shorter; You are hereby required and directed to cut the Mizen Course and fit it to the Yard, charging yourself with the Remains of Canvas, a part whereof you are to make into a Bonnet for the said Sail; for which this shall be your Warrant. Dated on board His Majesty's Ship Romney at Sea the 3rd June 1748.

By the Hon. Geo. Edgcumbe, Captain of His Maj^s Ship Salisbury.

You are hereby required and directed forthwith to repair with His Maj^s Ship under your Command to Lisbon, where you are to take in a supply of Provisions just sufficient to carry you to England whither you are to proceed, after a stay of fifteen days, with the Trade of His Maj^s Subjects. Dated on board the Salisbury at Sea the 20th July 1748.

By the Com^rs for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain & Ireland, &c.

You are hereby required and directed to proceed with His Maj^s Ship under your Command and any Trade that may be ready and willing to accompany you to Spithead and remain there till farther Order, unless you have received contrary Orders from Sir Peter Warren. Given under our hands the 8th of July 1748.

By command of their Lordships, J. Clevland.

By the Comm^rs for Executing the Office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, &c.

Whereas his Grace the Duke of Bedford has acquainted us, by his Letter dated yesterday that the Act of Accession of Spain, and that of the Republick of Genoa, to the Preliminaries signed at Aix La Chapelle the 19th of April O.S. 1748, have been signed there by their respective Plenipotentiaries on the 28th of last Month N.S. in consequence of which Hostilities are to cease, as well by Sea as Land according to the Terms & Periods agreed upon for a Suspension of Arms in the Treaty signed at Paris, the 19th Day of August N.S. 1712. We do in pursuance of the Pleasure of their Excellencies the Lord Justices signified in his Grace's said Letter, herewith transmit to you a Copy of a Literal Translation of the Clauses of the said Treaty of the 8/19 August 1712 relating to this Matter, which together with our Order to you of the nth of May last for a Cessation of Hostilities with France are to serve for your Information and for the Rule of your Conduct on this occasion, And you are hereby required and directed carefully to comply with the same. Given under our hands the 1st of July 1748.

By Command of their Lordships, Thos Corbett.

A true Copy, Walrave Lodwick, Vice Consul.

Translation of the Third Article of the Treaty for a Suspension of Arms for four Months, made and concluded at Paris between Anne Queen of Great Britain and Lewis XIV King of France at Paris 8/19 August 1712.

To prevent in like manner all Subjects of Complaints and of Contestations which may arise on occasions of Ships, Merchandizes, or other Effects which may be taken at Sea during the time of Suspension, it is mutually agreed that such ships, merchandizes and effects which may be taken in the Channel and in the North Seas after the space of Twelve Days, to be computed from the signing of the said Suspension shall be restored mutually.

That the Term shall be six weeks for Prizes made from the Channel, the British Seas and the North Seas as far as Cape St. Vincent.

And in like manner of six weeks from and beyond the Cape as far as the Line, whether in the Ocean or in the Mediterranean.

Lastly of six months beyond the Line and in all other parts of the World without any exception or other more particular Distinction of time and of Place.
A true Copy,
Walrave Lodwick,
Vice Consul.

By the Hon. Samuel Barrington, Captain of His Majesty's Ship Romney.

Whereas it will be necessary for the Boats of His Majesty's Ship under my command to be employed on the necessary services of this Ship and that I judge it proper they should be armed: You are hereby required and directed to supply each Boat with a sufficient quantity of Arms and Ammunition for the People that may be in them, to defend themselves in case they should be assaulted or maltreated by any of the People at this Port; for which this shall be your Order. Dated on board His Majesty's Ship Romney in Lisbon Harbour the 1st of August 1748.

By the Commissioners for executing the office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, &c.

You are hereby required and directed forthwith to transmit to us an Account of the several prizes taken by you from the Spaniards and French since the Commencement of the War with Spain in October 1739 which have not been Condemned in the High Court of Admiralty in London but in other Inferior Courts; mentioning the Names of the Ships or Vessels and of their Commanders together with the Names and Places of abode of the Agents appointed to dispose of the same and make Distribution of the produce, that so it may be found out who of them have paid the unclaimed Shares to the Treasurer of Greenwich Hospital and who not. Given under our Hands the 4th day of August 1748.

By Command of their Lordships, J. Clevland.

By the Comm^rs for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral of Great Britain and Ireland, &c.

Having ordered His Majesty's Ship under your Command to be paid off and laid up at Portsmouth you are hereby required and directed to cause all possible despatch to be used in clearing her of her Guns, Stores, Provisions and Ballast and to Leave her in a proper Condition under the care of the Officers of the Yard.

You are to make out Pay Books from the time your Ship was last paid and transmit them as soon as possible to the Navy Board. Given under our Hands the 6th September 1748.

By command of their Lordships, J. Clevland.