The NORWICH, CHATHAM and SHEERNESS are returned to Spithead, having received considerable damage by engaging several French Ships in the Soundings. We direct you to give immediate Orders that they be refitted at Portsmouth without the loss of a moment's time, and that the Provisions ordered for them be completed for the proportiopn at first ordered them for their intended voyage to the West Indies. You are to cause the PLYMOUTH to be cleaned at Plymouth, and give Orders to the Victualling Commissioners to have Provisions ready to put on board her as soon as cleaned, sufficient to complete what she has to ten weeks at whole allowance for her highest complement of Men. You are also to cause the ANGELSEY to be cleaned at Portsmouth and the CONTENT to be refitted there and furnished with the like quantity of Provisions each.
And the Captain of the KINGSTON at Hull informs us that his Guns have arrived. You are to give Orders to the Victualling Commissioners to cause her to be furnished with her Ground Tier of Beer, so that the Guns may be taken on board.