Sir/

I have been inform'd by the Masters of several Vessels just arriv'd in the Brig Crawford, that they have been taken by three American Privateers, Viz.

The Reprisal a Ship of Eighteen Six pounders Lambert Weecks Master — The Lexington a Brig of Sixteen four pounders Edward [Henry] Johnson Commandr — A Cutter of ten four pounders Nickolson Mastr. They came from Nantz and proceeded in consort to the Westward of Ireland and Enter'd the Channel at the North between the Mull of Cantire and Ireland and have swep the Channel as low down as Bardsey Isle near Cardigan on the Welch Coast, they kep their prisoners till the 24th on board the Crawford Brig whom they dismiss'd after their promising to proceed to Whitehaven and no other port, the Masters Acquaint me the American privateers will endeavor to intercept the Linnen trade from Ireland A list of the Ships & Vessels taken and destroyd I have enclos'd which was deliver'd to me by several of the said Masters.² I am Sir [&c.]