§ SIR DE L. EVANSsaid, that he understood there were six ships going from London and Liverpool with merchants and passengers to California, men of high respectability and of different professions. It was also probable that a still greater number of ships would go. It was understood, that they required some sort of protection, and he wished to know if a vessel of war would be stationed at St. Francisco?
SIR F. BARINGsaid, that the general instruction to the admiral on that station, was to attend and give protection to trade. He had already received a communication from that officer, which showed him that the subject had not been neglected by him; but he could not hold out any expectation that a ship would be permanently stationed in California.
§ SIR DEL EVANSsaid, that he understood the orders were for a ship to touch once in three months, which he considered was not sufficient.