[Extract]

When the time of my Cruise had expired, the Wind being Contrary to my return, I haul'd away to the Westward in hopes of a favourable Slaunt and on the 4th of June Latd 46.43 Ushant E N E Distce 82 Leagues, we fell in with, and took, the Bell—Savage Brig (Late Yorrick) an American, from So Carolina, bound to Nantz or the first port in France in the Bay of Bisca, Loaded wth Rice Indigo Deer Skins and Tobacco, of about 160 Tuns Burthen Elijah Steel — Master, which I have detained as a prize and Brought in with Me.

Having undoubted intelligence from the Crew, as well as from Letters I found on board her, that a Ship Two Brig's and an Armed Sloop, Sailed at the same time (the 22nd April) but parted Company soon after they lost sight of the Land; and also that Several others were to Sail from thence in the Course of a few days, bound for French and Dutch Ports — Ithoughtit most expedient for his Majesty's Service to Continue on My Stationa week Longer, as there was great probability, by so doing, to intercept some of them, and thereby, further distress the Americans: altho' it has not had the desired Effect, I yet flatter myself it will meet their Lordships Approbation.

From the tenor of the Several letters I found on board the prize, it plainly appears that very Considerable Commercial intercourse subsists between the Rebels and France, and some wth Holland — If their Lordships would Chuse to have the Letters laid before them I will immediately send them up.