Sir,
Since sending my Letters on board the pacquet, she being detained I beg leave to acquaint their Lordships that I am informed by Letter from Captain Bateman,1 that a French Frigate has search'd one of the Tenders belonging to His Majesty's Ships, under my Command, & wou'd have seized the Vessel had the Officer not had his Commission with him, as it is their directions to seize all Tenders that are not commanded by a Lieut. and even in that case if he has not his Commissn. They have also directions to retake all French Vessels that may be taken by His Majesty's Ships trading to or from America. I signify this for their Lordships information & am [&c.]
Clark Gayton
Antelope Port Royal Harbor Jama. 22d Novr 1777
L, UkLPR, Adm. 1/240,407-8. Addressed at foot of first page: "Philip Stephens Esqr." Endorsed: "4 Febry./ Send Copy to/Ld Weymo for/HM Informn." Noted on first page: "Recd. 28 Jany 78/by the Halifax Packet."
1. Capt. Nathaniel Bateman, H.M.S. Winchelsea.
