Sir,

My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty having received Advices that Vessels belonging to His Majesty's Rebellious Subjects in North America, and more particularly those of Philadelphia, do find means to elude the vigilance of His Majesty's Cruizers, and proceed with Cargoes to Ferrol, Lisbon, & several Ports in France, and return with Cargoes of Salt-petre, Gunpowder and other Warlike Stores; and that there are at this time two Vessels at Port L'Orient belonging to Philadelphia laden with Saltpetre ready to return thither, the one a Brigantine, the other a Schooner of about 100 Tons burthen, fitted out like a Privatier and mounted with eight carriage Guns; And their Lordships having also received Advices of the Track these Philadelphia Vessels pursue in their voyage to Europe after they leave Sandy Hook; I am commanded to send you Copies of some of the most material of the said Advices, and particularly of the last mentioned, for your information. I am &ca