Sir

Having communicated to my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty your Letter of this date, informing them that the Lords Commissioners of His Majestys Treasury have received undoubted information that Ten Vessels which sailed about the middle of September last, from the Port of Philadelphia for Ireland, are engaged to go from thence to Russia & Hamburgh there to take on board coarse Linneus of different kinds, which it is intended they shall land in the River Delaware or at some part of the Coast near it in this present Winter; That six Vessels more are soon to be engaged in the like destination and Service, and that this attempt is made at the risque of the Province of Pensylvania, or of the associated Colonies in General, and not undertaken by private adventurers, the very great scarcity of coarse Linneus in America, and particularly those proper for the Army, being the reason of such attempt, and signify their Lordship's desire, that such directions may be given to the Commanders of His Majestys Ships in Europe, as well as in America, as shall be judged proper; I am commanded by their Lordships to acquaint you that Orders will be given accordingly, and that if the Lords of the Treasury have received any description of the said Vessels my Lords desire to be furnished with it I am &c