SIR,—We take the Liberty of desiring you to submit to the Lords of the Admiralty, to recommend to their Commander in Chief, the request we made at the Board some time ago, of having _early and frequent_ Convoys home, both from Jamaica and the Leeward Islands, instead of the Ships being sent home in such large and delayed Fleets, which in the present Situation of Affairs, is found to be attended with great Inconveniences, and very severe losses, besides, a greater Object of Attention to the Enemy.—Early Convoys are particularly desirable, from the Produce being extremely wanted, on account of its scarcity, and coming home in a favourable season for safe Passages, the Strength of the Convoys may be regulated by the number of the Trade in each. We decline naming the Times of the Appointment of the Convoys (as has been usually done) in order to prevent their expected arrival in Europe being known to our Enemies. We are, etc., 10th January, 1782. (Signed) BEESTON LONG. RICHD. NEAVE. From 1796 to 1800, Sir Hyde Parker was commander-in-chief of Jamaica, and the cruising ships as stationed by him were exceptionally fortunate, and brought into Port Royal a great many prizes, merchantmen, privateers and ships of war, “by which both himself and his country were materially benefited.” From October 1782 to July 1783, Nelson was cruising under Hood in West Indian waters, and more than once put into Port Royal. In 1783, William IV, as a midshipman on the celebrated _Barfleur_, came into Port Royal, the first prince of the blood royal of England to put foot on Jamaica’s shore. He then made the acquaintance of Couba Cornwallis, the _chère amie_ of the admiral of that name and the kindly nurse of Nelson, who lived till 1848. Lady Nugent in her voluminous Journal, does not make much reference to Port Royal. On their arrival in July 1801, she records: It is now seven o’clock in the evening and we have only just anchored in Port Royal Harbour. An express is just sent off to the Governor at Spanish Town. Colonel Ramsay of the Artillery, and Captain Coates of the 69th Regiment, with a Navy officer from Lord Hugh Seymour, came on board immediately. I am disappointed. I hoped to have landed instantly, but there is so much etiquette about it, that it is settled we are not to stir till to-morrow morning. 29th [July]. General N. landed at six o’clock under salutes from the forts and all the ships of war in the harbour. The _Ambuscade_ fired on his leaving the deck, and I lay down to my cot, with a pillow over my ears, the noise was so stunning. All this is in marked contrast to the simpler landing of a governor in these days—even on his first arrival. In March 1804, Lady Nugent records: