Folios 220-221: Richard John Strachan, HMS Melampus, off St Marcou. He has forwarded...

Folios 220-221: Richard John Strachan, HMS Melampus, off St Marcou. He has forwarded a duplicate of his letter of 22 July [1796] detailing his proceedings. Reports that HMS Camilla has gone to Jersey to water and protect the islands, HMS Minerva is cruising near Alderney where she has been ordered by Sir Peter Parker, HMS Syren is off Cherbourg chasing 2 cutters that appeared off Cape Barfleur this morning. HMS Vesuve and HMS Swinger gun vessels are at St Marcou. He previously mentioned dissatisfaction on the St marcou islands. He finds it does not arise form the conduct of the Commanding officers there but it is because the people are aggrieved at not being paid for the extra work they have been doing. He has sent to the Engineer Captain Hockings at Guernsey who will pay some people under his direction but says the sailors and marines from HMS Badger and HMS Sandfly who have been labouring ever since the islands were taken are not his concern. The invalids and artillery men have recently refused to do any extra duty for lack of payment but the sailors and marines continue to work as ususal. Makes representations on their behalf. He has just heard that the enemy is assembling a considerable force at Caen so he will leave HMS Syren off Barfleur and reconnoitre, rather than going to jersey with her as planned. Encloses orders he has given to HMS Diamond.

Folios 222-223: enclosure with folios 220-221. Duplicate of order dated 23 July 1796 from Richard John Strachan, HMS Melampus, to Captain Gosselin, HMS Diamond, given on board HMS Melampus, off Isles St Marcou. Directs him as soon as he has supplied the islands and HMS Minerva and HMS Melampus with stores to take HMS Charlotte under his convoy and proceed to Spithead to complete stores water and provisions.