Dear Sir,

You will no doubt be surprized to receive a Letter of this date from me at Brest—I will Account to you for my detention before I depart. I have endeavoured to Account for it to the Commissioners.—I must inform you that I have desired some of my friends beyond Channel to address letters to your care as follows—A Monsieur, Monsieur Jones à Le soin de Mons^r: Jean Ross Negociant à Nantes—I have settled the matter so that I am to receive Gun for Gun when I salute the French Flag at my departure—this looks like Independence; yet I know not whether I ought or ought not to Congratulate you on our new Alliance: I have not yet seen the Conditions but hope they are liberal and unconfined.—my stay here will admit of a line ⅌ return of Post I therefore shall expect it.—If M^r: Williams has any letters for me you will please to forward them with the News of the Day.—If it will be agreeable to you to take into your hands any Prizes that may reach Europe, on Account of my Officers and Men; let me know it and I will endeavour to procure you their letter of Attorney.—If you should decline this you will oblige me by pointing out Persons in whom they may Confide—my best Compliments await M^r: Williams, M^r: Lloyd¹ and all Friends at Nant[es,] I dine with Le Comte D'Orvilliers, therefore must conclude and I am &c: