Preston1 off Sandy Hook [N.J.]
31st. July 1778.
My Dear Sir Chas:
The Packet not being yet sailed gives me the opportunity of making this addition to my Letter of the 27th:2 to inform you that our Affairs begin to wear a better Aspect, the Cornwall one of Byrons Squadron having joined us Yesterday,3 who parted from that Fleet in a Gale of Wind the 4th Instant off of the Western Islands.4 We may therefore hourly expect them, but if they should not happen to join us before we gain information of the french Squadron, and that they should be gone to Rhode Island as from the Motions of the Rebel Army we have reason to suppose, there is little doubt I believe but that his Lordship will be after them with the force he has collected.5 His Escape (but by a Week) from being shut up in the Delaware, was as fortunate, as the late sailing of Byron has been otherwise. three sail are now in sight, and if they should prove a part of his Squadron I hope we may yet turn up trumps. I am sure his Lordship well deserves success.
Adieu. You may depend upon hearing from me as I have opportunity, being ever Yours
W Hotham
L, UkHlHu, Hotham Collection.
1. H.M.S. Preston, Capt. Samuel Uppleby, commanding.
2. Above.
3. H.M.S. Cornwall, Capt. Timothy Edwards, commanding.
4. That is, the Azores.
5. Vice Adm. Hon. John Byron did not arrive at Sandy Hook until 15 September. As Hotham anticipated, Vice Adm. Viscount Howe sailed before Byron's arrival to challenge comte d'Estaing's fleet.