our efforts, desires and diligence, which is contrary to His Majesty's positive orders which were read to us, we, consequently, ought to go and receive fresh orders from H.E. Marquez do Lavradio, such as our present position requires, whether risk should be incurred or not. On board of the war-ship Santo Antonio, under sail, 20th February 1777.
(Signed) Antonio Januario do Valle, Captain; José dos Santos Ferreira Pinto, Captain; Thomas Stevens, Captain; D. Francisco Xavier Telles, Captain; Jose da Silva Pimentel, Captain.
With regard to His Majesty's orders, nothing can be done without risk, not only because of the weakened state in which our Fleet is, but also on account of the enemy's great strength. Every movement implies risk; more especially when the forces are unequal.
Should our Fleet be destroyed, there will remain nothing to prevent the enemy from carrying out hostilities in America.
They will endeavour to sack the ports at which they can do so; and, under these circumstances, we ought, in any case, to fulfil His Majesty's commands, confronting them with those of H.E. Marquez do Lavradio.
All the movements of this Fleet ought to be executed in harmony with His Majesty's orders, whether they be risky or not.
