Folios 263-264: P Rainier, HMS Niger, Spithead. He announces his arrival together...

Folios 263-264: P Rainier, HMS Niger, Spithead. He announces his arrival together with HMS Laurel a vessel that was under his orders. He confirms that he has seen six East India ships up the Channel. These were the Streatham, Regent, Earl of Lansdale, Kent, Caroline and Bonetta. He gave them his protection when he met them on the high seas without the orders of Admiral Tyler and so he thought to give the Admiralty his reasons for doing so.

He sailed from the Cape on 4th August 1814 in company with HMS Laurel, in execution of the enclosed orders. They spent two weeks looking for the enemy but with no success, and so he sailed westward, to widen the hunt. On the morning of 2nd October, when on the Equator, he fell in with these ships. The senior Commander of the vessels applied to him to form a convoy and grant them protection. Captain Rainier agreed as the cargo was of great value and the fear was there were a great many American ships at sea. Also it did not take him out of his way nor take him beyond the scope of his orders. When he had left the Cape he had been victualled for 5 months and Admiral Tyler told him that he would not need him until January. On that basis he saw no inconvenience in assisting the East India vessels. He adds that the ship Streatham had on board spices from Batavia estimated to be worth £700,000. The cargoes of the other vessels are also of great value, estimated to be upward of £2 million. He encloses Captain Nortlock's application for a convoy and hopes the Admiralty will approve the steps he took.

Folios 265-266: enclosure to folios 263-264. Letter dated 2 October 1814 to Captain P Rainier from Charles Nortlock of the ship Streatham, to Captain P Rainier of HMS Niger. He writes that he was instructed by Colonel Wilks, Governor of St Helena, that in the event he fell in with any naval vessels he was to ask for Convoy. Accordingly he makes this request to Captain Rainier. He states the cargo of Streatham to be worth £700,000. He also asks that the other East India ships, Regent, Earl of Lansdale, Caroline, Kent and Bonetta be included in this request. Their cargoes are collectively worth over £2million in value.

Folios 267-268: enclosure to folios 263-264. Order from Vice Admiral Tyler, Commander in Chief of HM Ships at the Cape of Good Hope and the neighbouring seas, dated 2 August 1814 to Captain P Rainier of HMS Niger in Simons Bay. He is required to put to sea as soon as he is able together with HMS Laurel and cruise with the aim of intercepting the enemy. The area of his patrol to go as far northward and westward as the limits of the Cape of Good Hope station. He is to return to Simons Bay when his provisions run out, to replenish and receive further orders.