[Extract]
Sir

A Vessell of ours from Martinico arrived here this day, and brought the Letters that we now do ourselves the Honor to enclose and forward to your Excellency P express.

The Master of this Vessall informs us he was chased off our Capes on Wednesday last by 3 large Ships an Armed Brigt & 5 Sloops and Schooners, that the Weather thickening, he alter'd his Course & escaped by coming thro' the North Channell, or he must have fallen into their hands. He further gives it as his opinion that no Vessell can posibly pass them either inward or outward bound, unless they draw little enough Water for Cape Charles, and get thro' it in the Night. This intelligence we use the freedom to Communicate, hopeing it may be of Service in case any Vessells belonging to the state of Maryland are under Sailing orders.