Sir,

As it was discernible, no attempt would be timely made of a diversion in Georgia, with design to compel the rebels to divide their forces Your favours of the 19 & 23. Instant¹ were no surprises to me— 

When the rebels came forward to this province they left on Cumberland Island three hundred men sick of a bad infectious fever, they may have views of fortifying that Island and renewing the old fort on the south end of it, which commands the Harbour; it appears probable as the Gallies are stationed in proximity to the Fort.² 

I think it would be an important object to the rebels to seize this advantageous Post, and perhaps it is their intention. This once effected they would be enabled to make this province in a very uneasy situation. 

It would therefore be of equal consequence to us to prevent such operation and could it be discoverable immediately dislodge them before they had strengthened the Island. Saint Mary's Harbour would be rendered useless to us without we were Masters of that Island. I have for these reasons wrote to Captain Moncrief and beg'd of him to take measures accordingly, and I intreat you will second the report if any be made, that our views to fix S^t. Marys harbour for the accomodation of the Kings Ships may not be frustrated and of holding the Rebels at a greater distance from this province.³ 

The arrival of the french Squadron in the Chesopeak leaves little room to doubt of an immediate declaration of War on the part of Great Britain, which is likewise signified to me by the proper Channel, to make the necessary preparations for such event, and to encourage the fitting out privateers for that purpose. 

Our post of Saint Mary's is therefore more necessary to be secured from attempts which may be made by french Ships. 

We hear L^d. Viscount Howe had collected all his force at Sandy Hook consisting of seven 64, 5 fifty's & 4 forty fours. If this be true I am in certain hopes that the french Squadron are by this time totally defeated and will never get out of the Chesopeak. 

The Brigadier General⁴ mentions that he had orderd Captain Wolf⁵ to cooperate with you with a hundred and forty men, and had left them purposely at Hesters Bluff. 

If you require further assistance the Rangers⁶ are posted at Trout Creek and may easily march to the Town Ship on St Mary's, or pass the narrows to Amelia Island. 

I have some thoughts of paying you a visit I could come to Hesters Bluff and the Narrows in case your operations extend so far. 

The Carpenters here warrant the Thunderer to be sufficient to support the Guns, She was tried with them before she went from hence, and bore the weight of metal admirably, Your Carpenter on a tryal I hope will find her fit for the purpose⁷ 

The Commissary has received my directions respecting the Ballahoo prisoners,⁸ The rebels are indebted to this province nigh a hundred prisoners, the names of your men are inserted as a demand and opposed to others upon the Cartel List. The Cartel Vessel shall be dispatched as soon as she can be ready. If you desire it she shall call on the Perseus for the four men borne on the Books. 

Some difference of opinion has taken rise with Captains Wright and Mowbray,⁹ I shall be much obliged to you to settle any clashing, that no detriment may happen to His Majesty's Service from mistaken punctilios in the Officers. I have the honour to be with great regard, and esteem, Sir, [&c.] 

S^t. Augustine 25^th. July 78