Catalogue description Folio 200: Richard Hale, Sheerness, to Sir Edward Gregory, Chatham. The monthly abstract...

Folio 200: Richard Hale, Sheerness, to Sir Edward Gregory, Chatham. The monthly abstract was sent on Monday with the account of the workmen to Mr. Gregory and carried by the Purser of the Suffolk. Sir Edward has informed us about the smack he is using to muster his men with the six extra crew and he later agreed to the hire of Mr. Griggs' smack, which was assumed to be for the duration of the war. The weather at Sheerness is often uncertain, as when Captain Faseby's longboat and three men were lost, but he will dispense with the smack when ordered to. He hopes he can keep the six extra crewmen, as there are almost always ships at the Nore and he cannot depend on help from Captain Faseby as his ship is lightly manned. Without their help he would not have been able to muster the ships at the Nore, Blackstakes and Sheerness. Enclosed in f199.