Folios 267-268: Paul Minchin, [HMS Severn], Plymouth. Reports his arrival. He prepared...

Folios 267-268: Paul Minchin, [HMS Severn], Plymouth. Reports his arrival. He prepared to sail from Quebec on 25 October, but received a letter from Lord Dorchester enclosing a petition from the Merchants requesting he delayed until 28 October. He agreed, but on that morning received an express from New York with an account of the French Squadron having sailed intending to intercept the convoy. A second petition was sent to the Governor, who convened a Council. He encloses copies of the results. Departure was delayed until 3 November; he planned to leave the following morning but a violent storm drove the ship on shore. She was undamaged and they finally departed days later and joined the convoy which had collected at Crane Island. They proceeded to sea with the London trade of 8 ships and a number of vessels for the Mediterranean which parted company on 17 November. More violent storms caused damage to the ship, so having parted from the convoy he put in to the first possible port in England instead of proceeding to The Downs. He thinks the ship will need to go into dock. Also reports that he brought home a Canadian Pilot in case they met the enemy in the Gulf and needed to return to Quebec. Asks what he should do, until some of the Quebec trade sail in the spring. Has forwarded a journal of his voyage.

Folios 269-270: enclosure with folios 267-268. Extract from the Minutes of the Executive Council dated 25 October 1793, Council Chamber, Castle of Saint Lewis. Present: Right Honourable Guy Lord Dorchester, William Smith, Hugh Finlay, Francis Baby and Thomas Dunn. Decision to delay the voyage, without any great increase in risk from the weather.

Folios 271-272: enclosure with folio 267-268. Copy of letter dated 10 October 1793 from Herman Wilsius Ryland, Quebec, to Captain Minchin, HMS Severn. Reports that Lord Dorchester has received letters from the Merchants at Montreal, stating that the ships will be ready to sail by 28 October. Instructs HMS Severn not to depart until that date.