Sir: From a deserter crossing over from the island of Santa Anastacia I have just learned that the frigates of the squadron are six in number, the flagship of 40 guns, and two hundred men ; and the remainder of 20 with one hundred and fifty men. The deserter declared he had not been on board of any of them, but that he had got his account from some sailors with whom he had talked. I send this to Your Excellency to weigh any significance it may have ; so that, with reference to it, and to the statement of the prisoner that there was a frigate of 50 guns from Bermuda, and another of 40 or origin unknown to him, Your Excellency may draw the conclusion that seems best to you, premising that when the said prisoner made this remark, he said he had not seen the 50-gun frigate but that a frigate having anchored before the bar of St. John's, the General told them she was from Bermuda and carried 50 guns. Saint Augustine, in Florida, July 13, 1740.