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Sir

I have received the favour of your Excellency's Letter dated the 5th Instant giving me intelligence of a French Fleet appearing off Dominica, and I have since been informed that Two French Ships of War are gone to St Domingo; whether the Latter were a part of those you saw, or others I cannot tell: As it will be necessary Administration should be acquainted with the arrival of such a force at the French Islands; I must request the favour of your Excellency to gain what Intelligence you can of their destination; and what occasion there can be for so great a Number of Troops being sent to their Islands; as it is not, I believe, the time of year at which they generally relieve their Garrisons: the frequent communications your Island has with Guadaloupe, and Martinique, may I hope enable you to gain some Authentic Intelligence Concerning this Armament, and should that happen; Captain [Robert] Stratford² who brings this to your Excellency: will return back as soon as his Ship is watered and bring your dispatches to me. I was apprehensive at first hearing of the arrival of so many French Ships and Troops that they were destined to carry the Troops to North America but I now hope that is not the case. I have the Honor to be with the greatest regard and Esteem, Sir [&c.]