(N^o 159)

Since my last of 21^st Instant I have nothing to inform your Excellencies relative to Business, the weather having been such as to prevent any operation.

The last Post from Brest brings acco^ts of the Return of Mons^r la motte Picquet with his Fleet. He left our Ships in Latt. 42 Long^d 17 with a fine wind which continued fifteen Days, after Seperation Mons^r la motte Picquet fell in with 4 English Transports convoyed by a Frigate & a Sloop of war steering for the West Indies.

The Brune unfortunately seperated from the Fleet the second Night, not being able to carry sufficient Sail. The other Ships sail well especialy the Lion Dean & Independance, It gives me great Pleasure to have so good acco^ts of the Frigate, & I flatter myself she will be equal to any of her Size in any Navy.

I beg leave to congratulate you on the acknowledgment of our Independance by the Court of France, which I hope will prove benificial & honourable to both Nations. I have the Honour to be [&c.]