Folios 235-236: Edward Oliver Osborn, HMS Arrogant, off Macau, China. As he does...

Folios 235-236: Edward Oliver Osborn, HMS Arrogant, off Macau, China. As he does not know when he will next be able to send a letter to the Admiralty so he has asked a Mr M.S. Leon, who is departing for the UK to deliver this one. He was ordered by Vice Admiral Peter Rainier to detach at the straits of Malacca together with HMS Orpheus. In conformity with the Admiralty's orders of 8th and 10 July 1801, he was escorting a convoy, including three East India ships with a detachment of troops on board, from Calcutta. Given the usual bad weather at this time of year and the fact the fresh water was running low he decided to make for Amboyna. He also thought it likely he could avoid meeting any enemy troops by taking this route, and thus it proved. He left Amboyna on 15th February and arrived at Macau on 18th March. He has used all his endeavours to persuade the governor to accept the disembarkation of the troops in order to strengthen the garrison, so far with no success. He thinks other nations such as the French or the Spanish might meet with more success given the large number of Portuguese in the colony. They have still been able to secure supplies and provisions but he doubts this will continue for long in the face of continued Portuguese trouble making. He notes that given the numerous small islands and the shallow waters, large ships are forced to anchor so far offshore it would be impossible to defend or blockade the port. Even 7 miles offshore the water is only 4 or 5 fathoms deep. Smaller vessels, however, can sail unimpeded, which means the enemy can move troops and intelligence with ease. He was told that the Spanish force at Manilla was three warships and three frigates but he judges they are not terrible effective. The Portuguese carry on a very brisk trade in the area. The Americans have also had a considerable number of ships in the area, particularly in Manilla. HMS Orpheus has just recently arrived, she had made passage through the Philippine islands and the straits of St Bernadine where she captured two Spanish vessels of great value. The only intelligence she could add to that already given in this letter is that at Manilla two of their frigates and seventy gun boats were equipped and ready for sea.