To the Hon^ble. Commissioners
Hon^ble. Gentlemen

I had the Honour to Address you by last Post,¹ when I flattered my self the La Brune & Henrietta had Joined the Convoy.—Yesterday we had certain accounts of the Convoys Sailing last wednesday 25^th. in a heavy Severe Storm from North West. and the Wind this two weeks past lieing Such as prevented several ships in Nantes River to Join, they are left behind—of the Number is the Henrietta (if my information is to be depended on) and you may believe gives me much uneasiness. the Cargo in the vessels on public account being very Vallueable.

On receiving the intelligence I despatched express to know the certainty of it, advising Captain Brown² of the Convoys Sailing, and that he must Proceed at all Risques under the protection only of his clearance's & privates despatches for Hispaniola to carry him clear of the European Sea's.

He is under Hamburgh Collour's, as such, I conceive the Risque going from hence much less, then those of French Vessels, under this Idea I gave my instructions, and shall be glade of your approbation, havg. acted in every Respect as if the Interest had been my own.—before next post shall know if in the River, & will advise. The Farmers Agent upon a very flimsey Pretence Seized & detained this Ship some days when I was at Noirmoutier—but had her released upon giveing Security—And have since Represented cercumstances to the Minister & Director of the Farms, through my Friends Mess^rs. Gerard S Haller & C^o.—which hopes may have the desired Effect.—The La Brune has certainly Joined & Sailed, tho I have had no Letters from Green³

Lord Norths Motion & representation in the House of Commons, being Just come to my hand, breathing the Spirit of Peace. I realy think it may be productive of something favourable in bringing it speedily to an Issue.⁴

Your Sentiments never the less (to be depended on) might Regulate my Measure's with much more Security in my opperations, and in case you realy think we have any Prospect of a treaty & Cecassion of Hostillitys, I woud Judge it adviseable to detain the Henrietta, and others with Public property, for some weeks, to be forwarded with much better Security.—Be assured Property in French Vessels runs greater Risque then in those of America if a treaty shoud once be entered into—

This however, I beg leave to mention for your consideration in Particulare from a desire to act in every Respect (as far as I have the truste of Public Property) with your approbation, & as much as Possible by Your Advice.—I have the honour to be [&c.]