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Sir

A few days ago I spoke with a French Ship from Brest bound to Havre she sailed from Brest the St Instant and the Master of her said, that Twelve sail of the Line (all Seventy fours) and Six Frigates, were in all respects ready to put to Sea, and that twenty eight sail more of the Line were fitting; How far this may be credited, though the Master and the Crew affirmed it, I submit to their Lordships, thinking it my Duty to send the information to you, and I intended to have been here on Thursday morning had not a very heavy Gale of Wind the preceding Night prevented me. I am &c.