My Lord

I should have had great pleasure in informing your Lordship, that the Lexington Brigantine of War commanded by Captain Hallock of 16 Guns and 86 men fitted out by the Congress, had fallen into our hands, was it not that her being secure is extreamly doubtful: Captain [Thomas] Wilkinson in the Pearl fell in with her a few leags to the Southward of the Capes, and altho' she is an exceeding fast Sailer, Yet from a very strong wind that then blew and being to windward, The Pearl overpowered her with sail and came up with her on a Short chace; Soon after it came on to blow so very hard, added to the accident of Staving a Boat, that Captain Wilkinson had it not in his power to take out of her any more of the Prisoners than the Captain and Nine officers, which were replaced by about as many of the Pearls Men. They continued together all the remainder of the day, but Lost company in the night in very bad weather, and she has never since been heard of. The Lexington had been sent to Cape Francois in October last in Order to Convey Letters to the French Government from the Congress, and also to bring back some Goods the Rebels were in want of as appears by the Captains account and his Orders which together with His commission, by desire of Captain Wilkinson I have the honor to forward to your Lordship.

Captain Hallock informs me that on account of the recommendation he carried with him from the Congress he was exceedingly well received by the Governor at the Cape, that he Saluted the Fort with 15 Guns and received 7 in return; but that although the Harbour abounded with American trading Vessels he did not perceive they en joyed any other Privilidges than formerly : He adds that the Governor told him that he daily expected the arrival of a Squadron of Men of War from France, and that he himself saw several Transports arrive with Troops, but could not tell whether it was more than the common relief of the Garrison, or not. Upon being asked if from what he saw and heard, that it was his opinion that the French were about to assist the Americans, he answered, no, that he had not the least Idea of it, but that he was informed that a War between France and Russia was much expected, and that Insurance at the Capes was at 25: P Cent:

I have allowed the Captain to be set ashore on his parole in Order to be exchanged for any officer of the Rank he claims, that either is or may be taken Prisoner from us by the Americans; as well as the other officers.

All the Prisoners that were on board the Ships under my Orders here, that were taken in trading Vessels and were natives of the Country, who did not chuse to enter into His Majesty's Service, I have also Set on Shore upon the promise of the Council of Safety at Philadelphia, to return me the same number when they shall have it in their power; which resolve is also enclosed.

Captain Linzee of the Falcon has just informed me that an Armed Brigantine, which he has reason to believe is come from Cape Francois, in attempting, a few nights ago to push into the Delaware thro' the Cape May Channel ran ashore upon one of the Shoals and to all appearance will be entirely lost. I have the honor to be &ca &ca &ca

P.S. The Pearl did not join me early enough for me to comply with your Lordships commands Signified in your Letter of the 14th of last Month, Respecting the Capes of Virginia, and as I conclude Captain [Hyde] Parker [Jr.] is long ago upon that Station; It is now, I apprehend, become unnecessary.

I learn from aH the Prisoners I have taken that they had the fullest confidence that the Men of War would not be able to guard the Delaware at this late Season, on which account most of the Vessels in the West Indies had Orders to attempt getting in there, for which reason I intend staying at least a week or Ten days longer than I otherwise should have done, and wish it possible that it might not be left without one Ship at Least all the Winter.

A.S.H.

The Right Honble the Lord Visct Howe
Vice Admiral of the White &ca &ca &ca New York