Letter received by Banks from William Bligh, 26 June 1796 (Series 58.07) - No. 0001

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Director in Yarmouth Roads

June 26th 1796

Dear Sir

          We arrived here on Friday Evening - the Squadron consisting of the Vessel, Ramillies, Robuk, Lion, Ratvisan, Venus & ourselves, Six sail of the Line  & one Frigate.  I had no expectation of the Cruize being so short, I understand it is occasioned by a representation that no advantage will be derived from long cruizes, and by making this the Rendezvous with a proper number of lookout Ships, the Motions of the Ennemy in this Sea can be very well attended to. There are certainly at Flushing & Helvoetsluys eight large French Frigates who are on the look out to do us as much mischief as they can, at present the Powerful 74 & three Frigates are off the Coast of Holland watching them, & I imagine the Impetueux, Amphion & Phoenix three large Frigates, which are now here will also be sent on that Service.  Admiral Tate with his two Ships who left our squadron on the 19th got into the Roads about Six hours before us and we are now

June 27