[Extract]

I send this purposely to inform you, that this Morning arrived here a Coaster, the Master of which declares, that Yesterday he met with a Topsham Pilot-boat, who told him, that between the Start and Torbay he met with an American Privateer, mounting twelve Carriage Guns, spread a great deal of Canvas, full of Men, and is painted Black. He asked the Pilot many Questions; and among the rest, what East or West Indiamen were expected. When I first heard it, I did, not believe it, but sent a Person to the Captain of the Coaster, who confirmed the above Account, so that I believe it true, and would have you make it public at Lloyd's, &c.