Note 2 — LETTER FROM ADMIRAL CORNISH TO LORD ANSON

I am very sorry to mention that the Company’s Servants at Madrass took every method in their Power to obstruct the expedition, except Mr. Pigot (who proved himself hearty in it & wished it success) their behaviour on this occasion was shamefull; they would admit only of two Companys of their own Troops to goe on the Expedition; and those composd. of French deserters,2 and Prisoners they released on this Occasion; of two thousand Seapoys they were to furnish about 500 only was embarked; they even refused a small Vessel which would have been of great use, the Master being a good Pilot in ye Streights of Mallacca and well acquainted with the Bay of Manila, he was threaten’d to be turn’d out of their Service, for Shewing a readyness for going with me; but of these Circumstances and many others regarding their behavior in the outset of the Expedition your Lordship will receive particular Information from Genl. Draper. I wish I could forbear to tell Your Lordsp that My Constitution is much hurt by my long Continuance in the West & East Indies during the course of this war, and puts me under the necessity of begging whenever the Public service will admit, that Your Lordship will indulge me with the favor of being relieved.