Arrived here last Monday the Brig, Samuel, from Nantz, in thirty-two Days [sic], bound to Petersburgh, belonging to Stockton, the Master's name Watson; he says that when he left Nantz, there were no less than twelve or fourteen Ships, Brigs, Schooners, &c. in that Port, belonging to different Ports in America, loading with Military Stores, &c. They bring Wheat and Flour in exchange. The Day he sailed, a large Ship, Burthen 400 Tons, left the same Port, bound to America, called the Hancock and Adams, commanded by one Smith, who was cautious in mentioning what Part of America he was bound to, or what his Cargo consisted of. Capt. Watson was several Times in Company with him, but could learn no Intelligence that was material. The Day before he sailed, he was examined by Order of the Commandant of the Port, when a Quantity of contraband Stores was found on board of him, which he was obliged to re-land; but the same Night they were re-shipped again, with a great deal more. The Mate of the above Brig was on board of the American, when he took on board 2000 Stands of Arms, 321 Barrels of Gunpowder, and 70 Barrels of Saltpetre, besides many other Implements of War, this Vessel had but a few Swivels on board, and might have been taken by the smallest Cruizer in our Service. Not one of the Yankees seemed calculated to make any Resistance, but depended entirely on Dame Fortune.

The above Account was confirmed by the Mate of the Samuel, (who was the Master's Son) the Carpenter of her, and two of her Hands; they were all examined by the Principal Officers of this Port, and every one of them agreed exactly with the Master's Report. The Master told me, that his Mate and People knew much more of the Affair than he did, they being often among the small Vessels, and very conversant with the American Crews, the Masters of which Vessels were quite open, and no way reserved in transacting their Business, speaking publicly of what they were to load with, and where they were bound to. A Schooner and Sloop had almost compleated their Cargoes, and would sail in a few Days after the English Vessel's Departure. The French seemed to take little or no Notice of their Proceedings, only now and then inspecting a Vessel to keep up Appearances. In fact, the Captain, Mate, and Crew of the Samuel, declare, that the Business of the Americans was transacted with a Degree of Barefacedness, that none, but People well pleased with their Company, could overlook. They affirm likewise, that a ten Gun Sloop could take twenty such Vessels for the Resistance they could make. undoubtedly a few Cruizers off Cape Finisterre, would pick up Numbers of those Adventurers, with very little Trouble. The Hancock and Adam's Cargo was reported to be worth 35000 Pounds Sterling.