My Lord

Before this reaches your Lordships hands, you will have heard of Three American Privateers ² being in the Irish Chanell where they have taken fourteen Vessels from the 19th to the 23d Inst, this Account is confirmed by a Captain of one of the Vessels (that was taken about IO leagues to the West of Holyhead on the 22d Inst) belonging to Liverpool where he is Since Arrived after being landed at Whitehaven with Severell other Captains & Seamen taken by the Said Privateers, the Jast Accounts we have of them is that they were left off Tuscar on the 23d Inst & were then pursuing their course thro' the Channell, but it is much feared that their reall Destination is to intercept the Linen Ships from Dublin for our Fair & it is much to be feared that they are not yet left our Chanell, it would be therefore imprudent for the Linen Ships to leave Dublin without a proper Convoy, to bring them Safe across the Chanell, There are two of our Traders the Active Capn Simmons & Alexander Captain Williams now ready to Sail with very Valueable Cargoes for Dublin, but we intend detaining them in Port 'till we hear of our Coast being clear of the Privateers, if a Convoy can be procured for the Linen Ships coming from Dublin to Chester, Your Lordship will do Essential Service to the Trade of the City of Dublin, by geting orders for the Convoy that comes from Dublin to take our Vessels (now detained here) under their protection on their return to Dublin, our Vessells being ready for Sea on the Shortest Notice, would be able to Joyn the Man of War in Beaumaris Bay or any other place that may be thought most proper for the Man of War to come on this Coast with Safety, I know it will give your Lordship pleasure to promote & protect the Trade & Commerce of the City of Dublin, at this time So immediatly under your good Management & protection, I remain on every Occasion with the Greatest Respect Your Lordships [&c.]