Folios 191-192: Captain Josceline Percy, HMS Hotspur, Rio de la Plata. Enclosing...

Folios 191-192: Captain Josceline Percy, HMS Hotspur, Rio de la Plata.

Enclosing copies of two letters that he wrote to Admiral Dixon, but fears that he had left the Brazils before they could have reached him. He is anxious to do all in his power to carry out the instruction to remove the British merchants and all their property from this place, but points out that this is impracticable in the ten days deemed sufficient by the Admiral. This is partly due to the 'immense' amount of stock, also to the distances involved and the weather at this season. Also the 'anarchy and disturbed state of the Government' in the place. After meeting with the merchants he has therefore decided to remain until 20 June [about a month from his letter], and to ask the assistance of Captain Charles [Montagu?] Fabian of HMS Orpheus, both to carry all the goods and to present an appearance of force, as the 'inclination of the lower order of people here' might be to obstruct their aims. Gives some details of movements of the Spanish Generals and troops he has heard of.

Folios 193-194: enclosure with folios 191-192. From Captain Percy to Vice Admiral Manley Dixon, from Buenos Ayres, dated 20 April 1815. Giving details of various insurgences and counter-measures taken in the area. In the latter part of March a division of Artigas's army crossed the Rio Negro, suprised the garrison at Santa Fea and took from 5 to 700 prisoners. Declared war on the supreme director, General Alvear, but not against the people of Buenos Ayres. After this the government was highly unpopular, hostilities began and everything was 'in a complete state of revolution', Captain Percy was asked by the Cabildo of the government to intervene, to effect a reconciliation. At first he declined as it was not part of his duty, but was prevailed on to prevent bloodshed, so managed to persuade General Alvear to depart in safety, with his family and property, whereupon the troops entered the town and General Rondeau is now the supreme director and peace reigns.

Folios 195-196: Enclosure with folios 191-192. From Captain Percy to Vice Admiral Dixon, dated 5 May 1815 at Buenos Ayres. Acknowledging receipt of Dixon's letter of 15 April and confirming he has made its content known to the British merchants. Since his last letter [20 April] several members of the former government have been arrested and await trial. An incident occurred when a Mr White, an American agent of the former government, and commander of the Patria naval force seized two British ships, but has been induced to release them. Percy says should a Spanish force arrive they will no doubt blockade the river, therefore requests instruction. He has asked the British residents to observe strict neutrality and says the merchants have valued their property at two million sterling, without tonnage to ship half of it and are in daily expectation of further supplies, but can make no sales due to the disturbed state of the interior. Artigas has declared for the present government, so has the city of Mendoza, and all parties intend to resist any force sent by Spain against them. They intend to send their families and property out of the town, should it prove necessary, and to destroy all the public works and drive their cattle away. Percy ends by saying that desertion from British ships into the Patria service now seldom occurs and 'not a man' has deserted the Hotspur since she has been in the River. Also adds that two American squadrons of frigates are at sea and he has attempted to communicate this to Captain Thomas Staines but without great hope of success.