When we left New York, we cruized at the Delaware for three weeks, and had a passage of three weeks more to this place, during which time we took some prizes. Since the Roebuck has been on the American station, she has taken upwards of 100 sail; but, from the greater number to share in the prize-money, from the trivial value of the cargoes, and from many being retaken, I will not have above 30 l. to draw, beside 18 l. which I have already received; We are, however, in great expectations of more when we return again to the American coast. It is thought we will be one of the most active ships at the taking of Philadelphia, as none above 40 guns can well get up that river. Thither we are immediately to return to co-operate with the army, and to prevent the rebel frigates, gallies, floating batteries, &c. from getting out of the river in the spring. Antigua has a compact, neat, little dock-yard for heaving down King's ships, just sufficient for our squadron, consisting of five vessels, which are mostly here, and will be under the command of Captain Hammond, who is appointed Commodore on the Delaware station.

Put no confidence in any news favouring the rebels. They never yet stood to fight, and, I strongly suspect, never will. The army were in winter quarters, in the Jerseys, when we came away. Some skirmishes have indeed happened, from the rebel army attacking our out-guards or detached parties; in one of which 800 Hessians were taken prisoners. General Lee is in close confinement, where he hears the word passed on relieving the centinels set over him. It is, "Do you know this man?" ー Yes! ー "Who is he? ー General Lee! ー "If you hear any noise, either without or within, shoot him immediately." ー Lee is very melancholy, cursing the foolish manner of his being taken prisoner.

The Pomona sloop one of the fastest sailing vessels in the navy, and who has taken so many valuable prizes as to enrich all the officers belonging to her, it is confidently reported, is lost in the West Indies.²

Admiral Young was arrested here t'other day, at the instance of some merchants in the Island, and afterwards admitted to bail. How this bold and unprecedented affair will end, is more than I can say. One thing, however, is certain, that the merchants have been carrying on very strange sort of trade. These have fitted out armed vessels, who were privateering at sea, without any licence from Britain. Several of these, as it was unquestionabl[y] his duty, the Admiral has taken; and it was in revenge for this, that the merchants had him arrested. There are many friends to the rebels in this Island; and their Judges acquitted a French brig we took in the Roebuck, which is a considerable loss to us.