The Board of War have the Pleasure of congratulating you on the Arrival of the Brig Penet at the Eastward from Nantes in 43 days — Capt [Nicholas] Bartlett sent an Express informing of it — but for what reason we know not, he has detain'd whatever Letters he may have brought for either of us; — In the Penet Capt Chapman of our Ship Versailles came Passenger he arriv'd in 45 Days in France, &left his Ship & Cargo with Messrs Gruel — As soon as we receive our Letters we shall send further Information to you; — We are sorry to acquaint you that the Bark John (now Adams) is still here waiting for Hands, We design'd her first for Virginia, but finding it impossible to get in the Capes, we have alter'd her Voyage to So Carolina as we before wrote you, — We shall embrace the first Men which can be procur'd & send her to you — Two Ships are now at the Eastwd loaded with Masts &c for Nantes, they we hope will sail in a few Days if a convenient Oppertunity offers, the Eastern Coast being constantly watch'd by 3 or 4 English Frigates . . .