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[Page 2]
from their masts & yards I think there were eleven two deck ships, five frigates, & two smaller vessels of War. Of the eleven two deckers, two of them appeared in a state of fitting.
From the accounts I have received from vessels we have boarded, there is no judging with certainty the state the Dutch are in. Some declare that they are in want of men and provisions, but ready for sea in other respects - and this that they are manned & equipped and only want for orders, but this I do not believe. The whole country was full of signals which were repeated frequently with fires & the alarm was so great, it looked like there being apprehensive of our getting in to attack them.
We are now lying to and trawling for Turbot and other good fish, which I wish I could have the pleasure to convey to you a fin of, in the fine state they are here. On the 30th May we had a Hard gale at SSW, except this, the weather has been moderate & generally fine without any fog. We do not expect to return to Port before August, by which time we shall be in want of water unless necessity requires us to use our fgound Tiers. The Director is the fastest sailor of the squadron at present, and seems not a very good ship in other respects.
I shall take the liberty to give you a small memorandum for Mr Dalrymple as I have not
Capn Bligh
June 20 - 96