Folios 170-171: Thomas Hamilton, Sea Fencibles, Margate. Yesterday afternoon a lugger...

Folios 170-171: Thomas Hamilton, Sea Fencibles, Margate. Yesterday afternoon a lugger boarded 2 brigs to the south of the Knock. he dispatched a messenger to Admiral Lutwidge and received the answer enclosed. The Admiral was no doubt misinformed as the fact is attested by Ensign Creswell who fired at the lugger and wrote in pencil what they will see on the Admiral's letter. he asked Lieutenant Boyce to write to him officially and encloses his letter. If he did not believe Lieutenant Boyce's remarks he would simply have notified the case to Admiral Lutwidge for who he has the greatest respect. He hopes the Admiral will not suppose him capable of impertinent officiousness.

Folios 172-173: enclosure with folios 170-171. Letter dated 17 November 1799 from Admiral Skeffington Lutwidge, Deal, to Captain Hamilton. Receipt of his letter. he understands that the lugger mentioned is the Lark hired lugger speaking to some English vessels coming from Holland under convoy of HMS Rosario. [On reverse in pencil and repeated in ink] Ensign Creswell, 35th Regiment, saw a privateer take possession of 2 brigs and attack a third on the evening of Sunday 17 [November] about half past 3.

Folios 174-175: enclosure with folios 170-171. Letter dated 18 November 1799 from Lieutenant Edward Boyce, North Foreland Signal Post, to Captain Hamilton, Margate. Makes few observations about the protection of the coast from the enemy's privateers which recently are continually in sight of that station as well as the South Foreland and he fears several vessels were captured yesterday afternoon by a lugger privateer within 4 leagues of the Foreland off the Knock. At sun set she may have taken 3 brigs and then made off with several captors. It may seem that he was neglectful but in his defence he says that HM cruisers, particularly the hired armed vessels, pay no attention to their signals. Two of the armed cutters stationed off the North Foreland are totally unfit. They are the Venus 1st and Venus 3rd. They sail no better than merchant vessels and generally much worse. Unless or 3 fast sailing vessels are stationed to cruise off the Knock and keep a good lookout he fears the trade from the north will suffer considerably. When the cruisers are under the Foreland it is sometimes impossible to get out from the land which was the case yesterday. Despite her best efforts the Dolphin armed cutter could make little progress towards the enemy all day which shows the need for the cruisers to be well out to the north.