| Description | Includes references to having delivered accounts to Messrs Lewis and Reed and discussions with Mr Lewis and Mr Reed; copies of the accounts to be marked by Mr Reed with objections, which account would then be returned by Sir Edward's fleet but having heard nothing from him until after the fleet had sailed; Reed having said that he had so much business to settle with the officers of the Fleet that he had not had time to inspect his books or give any answers; him eventually having given his answers; the Garrison being divided; some saying Mr Reed is rich, some poor; Wilkinson thinks the latter; offering his services to Grimston if required; his situation at Gibralter being far from agreeable, there being something dreadful about being Ciphers all the War as they are likely to be; Britain being esteemed despicable in the Mediterranean but the French paying due respect to the natural strength of the Garrison and the great additional strength given it by Lord Tyrawley, who had added 52 heavy pieces, them now having 300 mounted; the new Reg[imen]ts having suffered much by sickness, theirs having lost near 200; it being a natural consequence of change of Climateand Diet; hoping that a few months more will season them; Mr Saunders being there with four sail of the Line; his [Quardron] consisting of 12 mostly Frigates, which he keeps cruising almost constantly and as reports six sail of the enemy are ready to sail from Toulon with transports to North America the ships in their bay have orders to be ready to slip and put to sea at a moments warning |