Letter received by Banks from William Bligh, 21 July 1796 (Series 58.08) - No. 0001

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Director in Yarmouth Roads

July 21st 1796

My Dear Sir

We are still lying in this unprofitable place, but have hourly expectations of going to Sea.  This morning arrived the Glatton, Captain Trollop, who was sent out last week on a cruize.  On Saturday last he fell in with three French Frigates, one of 50 & two of 36 Guns - Three corvets, one Brigg and a Cutter.  He bore down to them & fought them at Night. After being in action 25 minutes, the Enemy somewhat longer as they began sooner, they run off, and are got into Flushing.  The Glatton has only one Man wounded by a Musquet Ball, The Officer of Marines.  We have every reason to suppose the Canonade 68 x 32 pounders did great execution, and think much praise is due to Captain Trollop. At one time they were so near 

July 23