[Extract]

Sir/ As the arrival of the next Pacquet, from England, is very uncertain, I embrace; the Opportunity, of a Merchant Ship bound to Liverpool, to inform their Lordships, that since the Sailing of the last Pacquet, I have received; private Intelligence, from Port au Prince, in Hispaniola (from pretty good Authority) that in that Island, there are many Warlike preparations making, Seven Regiments expected Dayly, from Old France, (But the Intintion of the French Ministry; was not known,) & that they likewise; expected many Ships ー Had the Florida Sloop, been with me, I should have instantly, sent her to England, with this Intelligence for their Lordships information, but, I am afraid, she is lost, as well; as the Ferret, as I expected her; to Join me, the beginning of November ー

I likewise beg leave; to acquaint their Lordships, that the 14th instant, the Amphitrite, a French Frigate of 32 Guns, arrived here, Commanded by the Count de Grasse, she was sent, by the new Governor of Hispaniola, with Complimentary Letters, to His Excellency Sir Basil Keith, & myself, on her Passage here, she met with the Misfortune of running onshore, & came in; very Leaky, on which the Count, made application to me, for leave; to permit him to heave his Ship down, at the Kings Wharf, which I granted him & told him, that he should have every Assistance, in my Power in forwarding the same, the 26th instant, he begins to Heave his First Side out, & hope to get him away, in about a Fortnight

In regard to the Squadron, under my Command, Since the Squirrel & Maidstone have been on their Stations, where I order'd them, the Maidstone has sent a Rhode Island Sloop, loaden with Sugar and Molasses, (French Produce) from Cape Nichola, bound to Rhode Island ー ² as I am an entire Stranger to the Distribution, of the Money, ariseing from the Sale, of these Vessells, amongst the Officers & Company of His Majesty's Ships, I should be much obliged to you, if you'd inform me of, by the first Oppertunity, and if there's any Act of Parliament, or Order in Council from His Majesty for it, to have that at the same time. I am, with respect Sir [&c.]