Folios 226-227: Robert Larkham, HMS Camilla, at Sea. Responds to letter of 2 [July...

Folios 226-227: Robert Larkham, HMS Camilla, at Sea. Responds to letter of 2 [July 1798] and enclosures, directing him to explain his conduct. His main reason for declining to send the Boatswain of HMS Camilla on a survey to be held on board HMS Bravo was the urgent need for HMS Camilla and the gun brigs left under his orders by Captain Barlow to proceed to sea following intelligence received from Captain D'Auvergne, Prince of Bouillon, a copy of whose letter he encloses. He was also of the opinion that Captain D'Auvergne was not competent as Commander of HMS Bravo to give him an order, according to Article 6, Rank and Command, of the general printed instructions. He had no intention to impede HM service. Refers them to Captain Barlow under whose directions he has lately been employed, by order of Captain Sir Richard Strachan. Adds that the order for the survey was not conveyed to him till late in the afternoon of 20 June [1798] when the Boatswain was on shore and HMS Camilla sailed at 6 am the following morning.

Folios 228-229: enclosure with folios 226-227. Copy of order dated 16 June 1798 from Robert Barlow, Commander of HMS Phoebe, to Robert Larkham, Captain of HMS Camilla, given on board HMS Phoebe, Grouville Bay. Directs him to take HMS Bouncer, HMS Grapler [Grappler], HMS Haughty and HMS Spitefull [Spiteful] gun brigs under his command and to cruise between Chousa and St Maloes [St Malo] to intercept the enemy's vessels in that neighbourhood. In case the weather prevents him keeping that station he should employ the vessels as he thinks best for the defence of the Island of Jersey. HMS Phoebe and HMS Boston with the other gun brigs will be constantly near Ance Nouville and in the case that the flotilla now at Cherbourg has passed towards Granville he proposes joining him with the whole force under his orders.

Folios 230-231: enclosure with folios 226-227. Copy of letter dated 20June 1798 from D'Auvergne, Prince of Bouillon, HMS Bravo, Jersey, to Captain Larkham, HMS Camilla. Lieutenant D'Auvergne of HMS Aristocrat has just returned from observing Granville and St Maloes [St Malo]. He reports enemy vessels seen which could interrupt the important Government service upon which HMS Seaflower went yesterday. He has just detached HMS Royalist and it would greatly help if the force under his command made an early appearance at St Maloes. His confidence in him induces him not to hesitate to send off HMS Royalist on urgent confidential service.