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Sir, I am to acquaint you, that certain Inhabitants of the Island of Antigua, have lately fitted out an Armed Sloop called the Reprisal, from the Port of St Johns; and without Commission or any Lawful Authority from the Crown, have caused her to proceed to Sea; and to Cruize for and make Capture of any American Vessels She can meet with; three such Vessels, She has already taken upon the High Seas, and sent them into the Island of Antigua to be prosecuted in the Court of Vice Admiralty as Prize of War; and it seems expect to be rewarded both by the Court of Admiralty, and by the King, for the making such Captures.

I am likewise informed that several other Adventurers belonging to the different Islands within your Government, Stimulated thereto, by what they think the Success of the Owners of the Sloop Reprisal; are Determined to fit out Several other Armed Vessels, in like manner; it is said, that Seven others will be ready to Sai.l from the Island of Antigua before the end of the present Week.

In the Course of my Service, I never before heard of any self appointed Cruizer; and am of Opinion the Measures these are pursuing, are not only illegal, but highly derogatory to the Kings Authority; and will be attended with many dangerous and Alarming Consequences to the Nation in general.

I likewise know that repeated application for Arming Private Vessels to act Offensively against the Americans, has been positively refused in England. — I must therefore request that you will be pleased to take such Measures for putting an immediate Stop, to these proceedings within your Government, as you may think most proper and Effectual. I beg to receive your Answer to this requisition as speedily as Possible, to enable me to transmit Administration a particular Account of these transactions. I have the Honour to be Sir [&c.]

P. S. Captain [Henry] Bryne of His Majesty's Ship Hind, who lately returned here from Barbados, acquainted me, that, Governor Hay of that Island, had assured him, He had directions from England, on no account to Suffer any Armed Vessels to be fitted out within his Government to Act offensively against the Americans.

The Honble Craister Greatheed Esqre
Commander in Chief &ca St Christophers.