There is no member of our Society to whom this brief letter could be more appropriately addressed than to yourself, not merely from the profession to which you are so honourably attached, but from the interest you must take in the subject, and the information you are so well qualified to supply. The latter, in my case, is peculiarly necessary, and if, on some future occasion, you shall be able to add any additional illustration, you will confer a favour not only upon me, who stand so much in need of it, but upon all Antiquaries, who cannot possibly be indifferent to the history of our Navy. My object is to bring the subject of the inclosed letter and report, by no less a man than Sir John Hawkins, into notice, in order that they may receive any explanation of which they are susceptible, and which I do not pretend to be in a condition to furnish.