Folios 296-297: Robert Rolles, HMS Lion, Simons Bay. [not signed] Reports he has...

Folios 296-297: Robert Rolles, HMS Lion, Simons Bay. [not signed] Reports he has received orders from Commodore Sir Home Popham [copy enclosed] that all naval forces at the Cape of Good Hope should join him immediately at Rio de la Plata. He is reluctant to do so because it conflicts with his orders from the Admiralty, but is driven by a request from the Governor and the belief that the French Admiral Williamentz [Contre Admiral Jean Baptiste Willaumez] and his squadron are on the coast of Brazil. Also encloses a copies of his orders to the Honourable Captain Duncan Pleydall Bouverie of HMS Medusa and of the letter from Lieutenant General Sir David Baird to him. He has taken the money carried in the Medusa into his own ship, and will despatch the money and the troops destined for India from Penang as soon as he reaches that port.

Folio 298: enclosed with folios 296-297. Copy of orders from Captain Robert Rolles, HMS Lion, Simons Bay, the Cape of Good Hope, to the Honourable Captain Duncan Pleydall Bouverie, HMS Medusa, 12 August 1806. Because of the despatch from Commodore Sir Home Popham in the Rio de la Plata reporting he has taken possession of Buenos Aires but requires reinforcement before attacking Montevideo and ordering all Navy ships at the Cape to join him except for any which Lieutenant General Sir David Baird wishes to retain, he is ordered to take HMS Lancaster, HMS Rolla and HMS Protector, to embark troops in the transports and proceed to Buenos Aires.

Folio 299: enclosed with folios 296-297. Copy of orders from Commodore Sir Home Popham, Buenos Aires, to any Captain or Commander of His Majesty's ships at the Cape of Good Hope, 5 July 1806. Reports that with the detachment of troops from Lieutenant General Sir David Baird's army, under the command of Major General William Carr Beresford, his squadron has captured Buenos Aires and orders any Naval forces at the Cape to join him for an attack on Montevideo. Particularly wishes to have HMS Rolla and HMS Protector because of his need for small ships, and wishes additional provisions. Suggests a route for reinforcements to follow.

Folio 300: enclosed with folios 296-297. Letter from Lieutenant General Sir David Baird, Commander in Chief, Capetown, to Captain Robert Rolles, HMS Lion, 11 August 1806. Because he has received intelligence from Major General William Carr Beresford and Commodore Sir Home Popham of their partial success in attacking Spanish settlements in the Rio de la Plata and requesting reinforcement, asks him to send a line of battle ship and a frigate to their assistance. Postscript. Troops will be ready to embark as soon as the ships are ready.