(Copy)

Sir.

I am to inform you that yesterday I fel in with a Brig from Nantucket bound for Bordeaux, but she loosing her Masts in the Lattde 38° North, obliged her to make the best of her way for some of the French Islands, we fell in with her a little to leeward of Marigallant [Marie-Galante], I was under the necessity of taking her in tow, as eight points is as near as She can lie when close hauled.²

I have delivered her safe to Mr Corl et at Roseau; her Lading is Oil and Flax seed. I also sent in a Schooner the 21st last Month to Roseau with Flour and Tobacco from Baltimore,³ both taken by the Greyhound; I am sorry to say she has sprung her Foremast, which obliges me to keep her close at hand, and for fear of her being taken by some of the Privateers, as there are great numbers in these Seas; one in particular at Martinica fitted out on purpose to take the Greyhound, exactly such another mounting six Guns and twenty five Hands. Mr Nibbs of Tortola is my author[ity ], himself was taken by this said Privateer last Sunday was a week, he also informed me there are Six others ready to sail at a moments warning; from this News and the Greyhounds disaster I propose being at Barbados the 12th or 13th, receive your Letters and make the best of my way to Antigua; Inclosed you will please to receive the State and Condition of His Majesty's Ship under my Command, and a List of Vessels seized. I am in hopes this will meet your approbation, and am Sir very respectfully [&c.]