Honble Gentn.

Having received certain intelligence that sundry Vessels belonging to No. America go to the French, Dutch & Danish Islands in these Seas, & offer unlimitted prices for Gunpowder & other Warlike Stores I think it my Duty to acquaint you therewith; as so many Vessels come in here, daily from thence, who may have the like directions to purchase it at any rate; And I also hear there is at present great quantities of Powder &c at St. Johns & am fearful the vast price offered may tempt the Proprietors to run risques & dispose of it, which must prove of the utmost disservice to His Majesty by thus assisting the North Americans, who are now declared to be in open Rebellion. I therefore hope you will take this matter into consideration and use what method you shall think best, to prevent such illegal & dangerous practices especially as it may be in your power to find out whether there is any ground for such suspicions

The Season of the Year will not now permit any of His Majts Ships to lye in St Johns Road to search all such Vessels as are bound to America otherwise I would send one. I am &c