Sr

My Lords Commissrs of the Admty having received a Letter from Captain Dent of His Majesty's Ship Arethusa, giving an account of his having detained in the Downes the Hopewell, John Ayles Master, said to be bound to Tobago, she having about Five Casks of Gunpowder on board, and has no Licence from the Master General of the Ordnance; I am commanded by their Lordships to send you the inclosed Copy of the said Letter for the information of the Earl of Dartmouth, and to desire you will let me know, whether the said Ship is to be detained or permitted to proceed on her Voyage I am, Sr [&c.]