Admty Office 6 Decr 1775
Sir
The honble Captain [Keith] Elphinstone having informed my Lords Commrs of the Admty that he has received a private Letter by His Majesty's Ship the Surprize, which is arrived at Portsmouth from Cadiz, advising that there were near Twenty American Vessels in that Port when the said Ship sailed from thence; I am commanded by their Lordships to acquaint you therewith for the information of Lord George Germain. I am [&c.]
Geo: Jackson D S
1. PRO, Colonial Office, 5/122, 47. Jackson was Deputy Secretary of the Admiralty.