Sr

Ld George Germaine one of His Majs Principal Secretaries of State having acquainted my Lords Commrs of the Admty by Letter of this date that information has been received that an American Vessel named the Betsey whose description is on the other side hereof will fall down the River for Gravesend this Evenings Tide & proceed immediately from thence to the Downes having cleared out for Antigua tho' really designed for No America I am commanded in obedience to His Majestys pleasure signified in Ld Geo Germaines Letter aforesaid to signify their Lordships direction to you to put a discreet officer on board the Goodwill Cutter, or any other proper Vessel under your command with Orders to proceed to the Downes & there to use his endeavors to intercept the said Vessel and in case of falling in with her to search for Seize & transmit to Ld Geo. Germaine any Letters addressed to Persons in any part of No America &c

By messenger at ½ past 10 P M
Painted black, Square Sterned, rakes much abaft abt 70 Tons burthen with a Top sail Yard rigged aloft. deep wasted & two port Holes on each side The Masters Name is Paine & the Pilots Williams