St. James 14th 1778
Sir
Mr Heron1 having acquainted me by his Letter of the 6th. inst. that a large Cutter mounting about 16 Guns, and which appeared to be full of Men was seen under American Colours on the 30th. of June in the Evening about four leagues South West of Cape Clear, and that on the same Day a Boatman at Dantry2 saw an American Privateer off Dorses,3 white bottom, Stern painted white, and a fiddle head, standing for the Cape. I am directed by Lord Weymouth to send you this intelligence for the information of the Lord Commissioners of the Admiralty. I am [&c.]
S Porten
LS, UkLPR, Adm. 1/4136, no. 21. Addressed at bottom: “Philip Stephens Esqr.”
1. Richard Heron, Chief Secretary for Ireland.
2. Perhaps Bantry, Ireland.
3. Perhaps Dursey I. or Dursey Head.
