Folios 236- 238: James Cornwallis, HMS Sheerness, at sea, the Savage Islands, about...

Folios 236- 238: James Cornwallis, HMS Sheerness, at sea, the Savage Islands, about 4 leagues. Reports his sailing from Cork 9th December with HMS Zephier and 39 sail of merchantmen under convoy, their names and Masters listed he encloses [no longer present]. Vice Admiral Kingsmill ordered HMS Unicorn to accompany them southward to Lisbon and return to Cork. She parted company on 15th without a signal from him, to chase a strange ship seen on the eastwards horizon. He could not have any conversation with her without running the risk of losing sight of the convoy. From 17th -3rd often experienced contrary winds and very heavy gales. 27 December the Good Hope, William Thomas, Master from Bristol bound for Jamaica fired a gun and hoisted her ensign in the Mizen topmast shrouds as a signal of distress in heavy seas. Was unable to assist because of heavy seas and she bore away to the NE. 14th December some of the convoy were far ahead of the Man-of-War. He signaled for the convoy to shorten their sail and gather round him but they paid no attention. The Juno brig, John Mahoney, Master bound to Madera took instructions at Cork from him but said he wanted to leave the convoy. He shall report him at Lloyds Coffee House because he left the convoy without his permission for the benefit of the Underwriters. The 19th December The Friends, William Estell, Master, Richard Miles, Owner bound to Africa parted company when sailing ahead on his weatherboard side without permission. He shall report him to the Lloyds Underwriters. 8th January, spotted a strange ship at daylight. Permitted HMS Zephyr to give chase and he encloses Captain Lawrie’s letter. Distributed all but 19 of the prisoners amongst the merchantmen, feeling it wise to have them onboard HMS Zephyr. Captain Lawrie ordered to bring her to Barbados, signaling HMS Zephyr and the West Indies convoy, 29 ships, to part company as he would take them out of their way bringing them any further southward. He sincerely hopes they arrive safely. He continues to Africa and has given HMS Zephyr his water. Hopes they will approve of his stopping for water at Sierra Leone before stretching out for the coast of Angola.

Folio 238: enclosed with folios 236-238. Letter dated 9 January 1797 by Robert Lawrie, HMS Zephyr, at sea. Reports (copy) his capture of La Refléchie, French privateer, twelve guns, sixes and fours pierced for fourteen and 67 men commanded by Piere Soustra, Lieutenant de France, 33 days from Bayonne, has only taken the John and James, James Johnstone, Master of Petersburg, Virginia from London bound to Madera and Bengal. She is said to sail well, quite new, is on her first cruise and victualled and watered for two months.