L30/14/62e

Further inclosure apparently by Caldwell: Combined fleet disappeared for second time from before Plymouth, as strong S.S.E. wind, so high no fishing boats out though bay full of mackerell. Wind veering to E.S.E. Report still believed Sir Chas. intecepted transports bound for Ireland; Mr. Leg, Clerk to House of Commons, passed through on way to Falmouth and said govt. had expected invasion of Ireland. Various reports that Sir. Chas.'s fleet is near the Lizard, or 3 leagues west of Scilly, or three leagues from the enemy fleet. Militia to escort 1200 French prisoners to Exeter and Taunton. Fire in Totnes, presumed started by French prisoners on parole, eight houses burnt down before it was controlled. P.S. Now informed enemy off Looe in Cornwall, endeavouring to resume station off Plymouth. British fleet off the Lizard "in short nothing can be depended upon but that we must soon have an engagement of as great importance as any that ever happened."

22 Aug 1779

From: 1779 To: 1779

item

Lucas,
Grantham, Thomas Robinson, 2nd Baron,
Caldwell, James,
Hardy, Charles,
Legg

family correspondence, French, Spanish, naval ships, wind, fishing, boats, mackerel, clerk to the House of Commons, central government, general, naval actions, militia, prisoners of war, general fire, general housing, Sidmouth, Plymouth, France, Spain, Ireland, Falmouth, Scilly Isles, Exeter, Taunton, Totnes, Looe, The Lizard