Folios 233-234: Richard John Strachan, HMS Melampus, Spithead. Reports his proceedings...

Folios 233-234: Richard John Strachan, HMS Melampus, Spithead. Reports his proceedings since 5 August [1796] and explains why he did not stay at Jersey but came to Spithead. Mentions HMS Minerva, HMS Syren, HMS Cynthia. Mentions Havre, St Marcou, Barley Bay and Grouville Bay. Encloses the state of HMS Melampus, copies of orders given to Captain Moore of HMS Syren and orders given to Captain Peyton of HMS Minerva.

Folio 235: enclosure with folios 233-234. Report dated 11 August 1796 from Richard John Strachan of the state and condition of HMS Melampus.

Folios 236-237: enclosure with folios 233-234. Copy of order dated 7 August 1796 from Richard John Strachan, HMS Melampus, St Marcou, to Captain Peyton, HMS Minerva. He [Strachan] is to go towards Guernsey and Jersey so directs him in addition to his existing orders to consider the Marcou islands to be under his protection. He is to pay attention to the port of [Le] Havre as it is more probable that vessels will go from there than from Cherbourg at the spring tides. He is to obey any dispatches and forward them to him at jersey, or leave them with Captain D'Auvergne if he is not there. HMS Syren is ordered to join him at Jersey unless otherwise detained.

Folios 238-239: enclosure with folios 233-234. Copy of order dated 9 August 1796 from Richard John Strachan, HMS Melampus, off Cherbourg, to Captain Moore, HMS Syren. In addition to orders of 7 [August 1796] left for him at Marcou in case he called there from [Le] Havre directs him that when Captain D'Auvergne, Prince of Bouillon and Senior Officer at Jersey, no longer requires him he should go to St Marcou guided by the accompanying order. If HMS Camilla is not wanted there he is to send her to Spithead and return to St Marcou once she is watered and victualled. Captain Peyton will be Senior Officer in his absence and will generally be found near Alderney and the coast of France near there.

Folios 240-241: enclosure with folios 233-234. Copy of order dated 9 August 1796 from Richard John Strachan, HMS Melampus, off Cherbourg, to Captain Moore, HMS Syren. If his services are not required at Jersey he should go to St Marcou and remain there cruising from Cape Barfleur to [Le] Havre for the protection of the marcou islands. Directs him how to proceed. If official dispatches arrive for him [Strachan] at Marcou he is to open them and comply them and inform Captain Peyton of HMS Minerva, Senior Officer in his absence.