(Copy.)
Sir

I have the honor to send you inclosed an information which I received this Morning upon Oath—A Rebel Sloop called the Revenge mounting 12 four pounders, was brought in here the Night before last, by five Seamen who Confined the Captain and took possession of her the Day she left S^t: Pierres Road; in sight of the Shiping and under the fire of three Battery's. The Vessels mentioned in the inclosed List I am told will be Convoy'd by one or two French Frigates, which I do not in the least Doubt; as I am persuaded they have been carrying on this unjustifiable practice for some time; for I have seen several Convoys under French Colours pass by close under this Island. —— ——— has beged that his name may not be made publick which I have promised shall not, unless the Service requires it, in hopes that I may get information from others.

I am also informed that another Fleet of about 15 Sail bound for America will take their Departure in three Weeks from Martinico.

If this Intelligence will be of any use to His Majesty's Service my purpose will be fully answered, and I shall not fail to communicate any further intelligence, which I may receive.

The Vessel which I send express with this will wait for your Answer, and I beg leave to request you'll inform me when you dismiss her. I have the Honor to be With the Highest Esteem & Regard Sir [&c.]

[Enclosure]

A List of Vessels bound from Martinico to North America. Viz^t

A Schooner bound from Baltimore, Laden with dry Goods, mounting 8 Carriage Guns, 25 Men a very fast Sailor.—

A Sloop bound for Boston Laden with dry Goods English manufacture taken from Prizes; mounting 10 Guns, 50 Men, a dull Sailor.—

A Brigg about 120 Tons, Laden with dry Goods bound for Casco Bay, no Guns, tarr'd sides and no head.—

A Virginia Pilot Boat Laden with dry Goods bound for Virginia no Guns.—

Two Briggs about 120 Tons each Cargoes unknown, French property & bound for Boston.—

The above Vessels are to Sail from Martinico the 23^d. or 24^th of this Month.

—— ——maketh Oath upon the holy Evangelists of Almighty God that the above is a true list of Vessels lying at Saint Pierre Martinico and on the Eve of their Departure for North America to the best of the knowledge and information which he the Deponent could get.

(Signed.) —— ——

Sworn before me this
22^d. day of February 1778
Cha^s: Winstone
A Member of his Majesty's Council
and a Justice of the Peace for the Island
Dominica—

(The above is a true Copy.)
Jam^s: Young.