Folios 175-177: Richard John Strachan, HMS Melampus, off St Marcou [Marcouf]. Sends...

Folios 175-177: Richard John Strachan, HMS Melampus, off St Marcou [Marcouf]. Sends reports of his observations having been of Havre and Cherbourg. It appears that the enemy has prepared a force at Havre to convoy vessels from there and Cherbourg. Describes how he has disposed the force under his command, mentioning HMS Minerva, HMS Camilla, HMS Syren and HMS Diamond and Cape Barfleur. HMS Childers is near Jersey to assist the Senior Officer as requested by Sir Sydney Smith. An attempt to take a boat passing Marcou [Marcouf] from the enemy has failed. It was undertaken by Lieutenant Price and the execution was entrusted to Lieutenant Kinneer of HMS Aimwell gun vessel, as explained by the enclosed letter from Lieutenant Price. Commends the gallantry of the Carpenter of HMS Diamond and the boat crew belonging to the Charming Molly tender. Unfortunately one of her men was left wounded in the boat attempted to be taken from the enemy. he has given directions that no such attempt should be undertaken in future unless there is a good chance of success. he has not allowed any of the ships to move from the station as if 2 convoys sail there will be employment for them all and some must stay to protect the islands as the enemy from L'Hogue is troublesome.

Folio 178: blank.

Folios 179-180: enclosure with folios 175-177. Copy of letter dated 5 May 1796 from Charles Price, commanding HMS Badger, to Sir Richard John Strachan. Reports seeing a boat which he first thought was the gun launch belonging to the East Islands which was lost some time ago. He sent boats under the command of Lieutenant Kinneer of HMS Aimwell in the gun launch of HMS Badger who drove her on shore. She proved to be Sir W S Smith's long cutter going to L'Hogue. he regrets that one man from the Charming Molly was wounded and left in her and one man belonging to the Conquest was wounded in the arm. Commends the actions of the men.

Folio 181: enclosure with folios 175-177. Foldover comments only.