Folios 192-193: Richard John Strachan, HMS Melampus, Guernsey. Reports letters found...

Folios 192-193: Richard John Strachan, HMS Melampus, Guernsey. Reports letters found on board an American vessel suspected of carrying French property from Morlaix to Havre. One of which is addressed to Citoyen Morel at Dunkerque and refers to Coutance who has bought a 20-gun corvette and asked the writer to be her 2nd Captain, Richerie at St Domingo with 7 vessels, and ships named Thulleries and L'Lin[..]. He [Strachan] supposes Coutance to be a merchant. He took an English seaman out of the American vessel who had come from Brest about a month ago and gave information about the French vessels but he does not know how reliable it is. Reports vessels at Morlaix. HMS Syren has just arriving from Weymouth. He will take her to run off the Isle of Bass tonight. He had intended to take HMS Diamond but the enclosed letter induced him to order her to the Ancre de Vanville to stop the enemy trade. The report of the enemy's ships at Cherbourg in the enclosed list largely agrees with what they saw on 15 [May 1796]. Captain Gosselin has orders to co-operate with Captain D'Auvergne whenever he should require the service of HMS Diamond. He will leave directions for HMS Camilla to remain with Captain D'Auvergne.

Folios 194-195: enclosure with folios 192-193. Letter dated 16 May1796 from Peter Le Mesurier, Gov[ernor] & Com[..] in Chief, Alderney, to Sir Richard Strachan, Senior Officer commanding HM ships off Alderney. He wrote on 2 [May 1796] via the Dutchess of York and the next day Mr Lewere, Midshipman of HMS Sandfly, 2 of his seamen and 3 French emigres arrived there after escaping from Cherbourg. They gave the enclosed report of the enemy's force. Because of the cruisers the enemy intends to send vessels to Brest 2 or 3 at a time close to the coast. A frigate thought to be HMS Druid has been at anchor in Vanville Bay. Describes the signals that will be given and how they should be answered. Argues for keeping cruisers there. The emigres told him that Swedish ships bound for France with deals are hiding masts and cables for french war ships.

Folio 196: enclosure with folios 194-195. Report dated 16 May 1796 from Peter Le Mesurier, Gov[ernor] etc. Gives state of enemy ships at Cherbourg and Hougue. Mentions L'Amarante, Le Hardy, La Mouche, La Furieuse, and the Romaine whose convoy has got to Brest.