London, 8 April. A tiding dated Cork
5 April reported the arrival of the brig Hawke master John Bowe that morning
after a voyage of 30 days coming from Barbados. He reported that a few
days for his departure a French sloop was discovered off the island coming from
Martinique to investigate the British naval
force at this station. Commodore Owen immediately sent the ship Force towards Martinique where nine French warships were found to be
joined within short time by another 3 frigates 1st class. Their destination was
thought to be towards Cuba.
