[Extract]

Lieutenant [Samuel] Walton Commander of the Wells Cutter who was drove in here yesterday by a strong gale of Wind acquainted me there was a Vessel called the Sophia, Joshua Lunn Master now in the Downes with Gunpowder on board said to be for America I immediately sent a Boat with a proper Officer to examine her and take possession of her if he found her as represented, which was the Case, but she was already in the Charge of two Custom House Officers and I shall take care to give them all possible assistance in detaining her, should they require any, Lieutenant Walton is sailed again on his Cruize, I do not think it was possible for him to avoid coming into Port as the Weather was so bad, which I thought it necessary to mention to their Lordships.

I have this moment sent a Boat to examine two Vessels in the Downes suspected to have Gunpowder on board one named the Peggy, and the other the Simon and should they be loaden with that Article, I shall detain them and report them to their Lordships by tomorrow's Post.