I think it necessary for the good of His Majesty's Service, that you should be acquainted by the earliest opportunity which I now embrace; that a Fleet of French Men of War consisting of Six Sail one of 64 guns five large Frigates with the Corvet appeared off this Rhode about a week ago, they kept the Shore as close aboard as the Wind would permit in Order to fetch Guadaloupe and two days afterwards four of them large Ships appeared off in their return to Martinique; I am informed that most of these Ships have lately arrived from Europe by one and two at a time: I am likewise informed that several Transports have lately arrived at Martinique with Troops, and that there are actually at this time in the Islands of Martinique and Guadaloupe not less than Ten thousand regular Troops. I have the Honor to be With the greatest Esteem & Regard Sir [&c.]