[Extract]
We had last Sunday a prize brought into Plymouth. She was bound to Antigua with a load of beef and. butter, and last evening I heard of the arrival of another at Cape Ann, with 2000 bbs. beef and pork.2 I suppose she was bound to York. The amazing damage we should have done them, as well as the advantages derived to ourselves, make me execrate the policy of stopping our privateers. I always opposed it. We have now got a resolve passed to let them loose on conditions they w1II cruise with Manly under his command twenty-five days. Perhaps we shall make a fleet of ten or twelve sail of them soon and some of them 20 Gun Ships. We hope by this to sweep one of their fleets, and to do great execution. We have for encouragement engaged an indemnification for losses which prizes are not sufficient for. I can easily conceive we might have had a fine fleet of our own by this time. Our frigates in concert might have taken several of theirs, that have for the most part cruised single. Your ships are however in harbour here, but it is said have consented to sail together. Last evening the Board of War received an express from Cape Ann, that the Milford and a tender were yesterday nigh there and took a Schooner. They are endeavouring to get out Manly and McNeal to take her.
. . . This is to go by Capt. Ayres, who informed me yesterday of his design to set out this morning. I dont know his business but I suppose to apply for some appointment in the Navy. I have not much acquaintance with him. He seems to be an active smart man, has been long at sea, and as he has commanded one of your Schooners with reputation, I could wish he might succeed. . . .
I have this moment an account of an arrival at Portsmouth of great consequence.3 The perticulars of the cargo as they come to us are as be low. There came in her a Coll. and a number of officers of the Train to the number of twenty-four.
58 Brass Cannon and Carriages.
Tents for 10,000 men.
Cloathing for 12,000 men.
Stands of Arms 5,700.
Powder about 10 Tons.
Great Numbers Blankets.
Lead and Ball, uncertain how much.
3 mo[nths] passage arrived last Sunday
