Jamaica ss/

This Deponent Robert Spence, Master of the Schooner Peggy, belonging to St Augustine in the Province of East Florida, Voluntarily maketh Oath that on or about the fifth day of August last past, He left St Augustine with a Cargo of Rice bound to Jamaica That on or about the Sixth or Seventh of September in his Passage to this Island, he fell in with His Majestys Ship Squirrel and her Tender, the Latter of which order'd him to Hoist his Boat out and come onboard of him, But this Deponent told him that his Boat leak'd very much, but if he would bring too, he would run alongside of him, which this Deponent did, and the Officer Commanding the Tender order'd him to Bear away for the Squirrel.

And this Deponent further saith that he saw a French Frigate Cruizing to Windward & on his Bearing away for the Squiirrel Bore down upon him & sent her Boat onboard with an Officer, who Demand'd from whence he came, where bound, and what he imagin'd the English Frigate want'd with him. He told him he came from St Augustine, was bound to Jamaica, and suppos'd she wanted to see his Papers. He then told this Deponent that if he had come from any part of North America, bound to Hispaniola, the French Frigate would have protect'd him from the English one if he requir'd it. He then left this Deponent, and went onboard, when the French Frigate; bore down under the Squirrels Stern & sent a Boat onboard.

And this Deponent further saith that to the best of his Recollection & Beleif Cape Nichola Mole, bore about NEbE, Ten or Eleven Leagues, when the Boat, belonging to the French Frigate Board'd this Deponents Vessel, & offer'd him Protection, further this Deponent saith not

Sworn before me
at Kingston 28th Septr 1776
(Sign'd) Richard Foyster

(A Copy) Clark Gayton
[Endorsed] In Vice Admiral Gaytons Letter 8 October 1776.