Folios 290-291: Robert Rolles, HMS Lion, Simions Bay, Cape of Good Hope. Reports...

Folios 290-291: Robert Rolles, HMS Lion, Simions Bay, Cape of Good Hope. Reports his arrival with the convoy from St Helens, encloses a convoy list. He put into port because scurvy had appeared among the troops on the East India Company ships, particularly the Arniston and the Royal Charlotte, and because several ships were low on water. Also encloses a copy of an order form the Court of Directors of the East India Company. He has seen no sign of an enemy squadron, but an American which has just arrived reports she was boarded by a French ship, the Regulus, with two frigates in Latitude 6º South, Longitude 28º West. There are no Navy ships at the Cape except the gun brig HMS Protector.

Folios 292-293: enclosed with folios 290-291. Copy of an order signed by Directors W F Elphinstone, Edward Parry and John Manship, East India House, London, to the commanders of East India Company ships, 7 May 1806. Despite the earlier orders directing them not to call at any port before they get to India, recognises that because of the large number of troops aboard they may need to call in somewhere, and direct this should be at False Bay, Cape of Good Hope. They are not to stop for longer than five days because it is now so late in the season and they have consignments to deliver at Prince of Wales Island and should not be late in reaching China.

Folios 293-294: enclosed with folios 290-291. Letter from Captain Robert Rolles, HMS Lion, Simions Bay, Cape of Good Hope, to the Admiralty, 10 August 1806. Reports that Lieutenant General Sir David Baird has given him an account of the enemy squadron which was reported in the area. It was seen by a neutral vessel and an English whaler in Latitude 33º 31' South, Longitude between 3ºand 10º East on 25 February, and was last seen steering for the Island of Noronha, possibly on its way the West Indies. HMS Lancaster has now arrived at the Cape on her way to Penang.

Folio 295: enclosed with folios 290-291. Convoy list prepared by Captain Robert Rolles, HMS Lion, listing the 24 ships which arrived with him at the Cape of Good Hope under escort from the Lion, HMS Medusa and the store ship HMS Howe, including nine troops ships and victuallers.