"The Ships we chased, were the Lyon of 44 Guns and 250 Men and the Count de Veaux¹ of 24 Guns and 89 Men. The latter was the Ship that the Solebay took, in every respect fitted and prepared for Action. By what I have since learned from the Prisoners, they came from Port L'Orient the 1^st: of January, determined to force a Trade, and to oppose inferior Force. The Ship I before mentioned that the Richmond and Senegal chased, was the Ferdinand of 44 Guns, 250 Men, with 50 Volunteers from S^t. Maloes. They are loaded with Salt, Cordage, Woolens and Supplies for the Rebels. They frankly own, that upwards of 40 Ships from 1000 to 200 Tons, all armed, are now loading and equipping from the Ports of Dunkirk, S^t. Maloes, Nantz, Bourdeaux and L'Orient. They are all cleared out for the French West Indies: After they sail, they change the Names of their Ships, keep false Journals and Reckonings.—There are no Papers to be found; indeed they do not scruple saying, that they have destroyed their Letters and papers; and that the Ships now coming, will come by Fours, and Six together, to force past our Frigates and small Ships. That they are mostly intended for the Chesepeake Bay and Charles Town. Being drove from off those Ports, to attempt Boston. The Ships of any Force they wish to dispose of to the Rebels, and to purchase smaller Craft, for to make their Returns in Tobacco. Two Rebel Frigates of 32 Guns sailed from L'Orient the 23^d: December 1777, loaded with Arms, Ammunition and Cloathing."²