We did direct that several ships, the DUNKIRK, LYON, MONCK, PLYMOUTH, YORK, DREADNOUGHT, MARY and MONTAGU, be reduced from the 3rd to 4th Rate and we now intend that the 3rd Lieutenants shall be borne on them until such time as they can be moved, but you are to have the Midshipmen reduced to the number allowed for a 4th Rate. The PLYMOUTH has taken and brought into Plymouth, two ships, the BETTY, hired into the service at Bristol, and the other, supposed to be the SCARBOROUGH, both of which were formerly taken by the French. You are directed to have the BETTY fitted for Channel service, that ship being His Majesty's as the owners were paid for her when she was taken, and if the other ship is the SCARBOROUGH you are to have her fitted out and supplied with 10 weeks provisions. The flag officers of the fleet, having given their opinions about the masts and yards of ships, we enclose this and direct you to give us your opinion on what they propose. Captain James Plunckitt and Lieutenant William Ball of the Marine Regiment, are going with the squadron bound for the West Indies. You are to have imprested £100 to the Captain and £50 to the Lieutenant upon account of their pay.