Sir—I Beg Leave to acquaint you that on —the 3^d instant—the Island bearing NE—7 or 8 Leagues—I discover^d an America Privateer—to which I immediately gave chace, During the Continuance of the [chase] find we came up with him fast—but it falling Calm—about Six in the Evening about two Leagues—from the Land—the Privateer got away—and took refuge, here Under the Protection of the french Flag haveing paid Due attention to the Eleventh Article of the Code of Rules, to be observed—Respecting the Inhabitants of S^t Peters²—I thought it incumbent on me not to take any Step that might Give cause of Umbrage, to the French—I gave up the chace, & Cruized as near to the land—as was Convenient—untill Yesterday—when finding by—a very good information—that Several Privateers has made the Island of S^t Peters their General Rendevouz—& Countenanced—by the French to the very Great Annoyance, of the Brittish Fishery—Contiguous to this Coast, and as was well aware—that shou'd I have Quitted this Place—the Brittish Vessels & Inhabitants wou'd fall a Prey—to the Privateers Rebel Crew—I with The Joint Consent, & Opinion of my officers thought it indisputably—my Duty—to the Utmost of my Power—to take the Privateer or otherwise prevent her—from doing any Depredation—or Escaping from us—if Possible to prevent it—I therefore this Morning—wrote to his Excellency the Governour—desiring that he would not—give Give Contenance, to his Majesty's Rebbellious Subjects, and as I had chaced him into the Harbour—I Solemnly requested that he wou'd be pleased to turn him out to which he was pleased to Answer that he Wou'd not turn him out—And that he was determined to observe a Strict Neutrality—to Support the dignity of the French Flag at the Hazard of his life—this Laids me likewise to inform you Sir—that the French have Erected a Bat Platform, facing the NE—where is Six Great Guns Mounted—which I have always Understood to be Contrary—to Law–Subsisting between the Powers,³ the Reasons assigned for dispatching M^r Morey—with this letter will I hope—be Approved of—& am Sir, [&c.]

M^r Morey, Sir will be able to give—information Respecting—the Sloop—