Sir,

Intelligence having been received, that a Ship called the Elizabeth Commanded by a Captain [Robert] Campbell, was fitting out at Philadelphia by the Continental Congress, and intended to Sail about the 20th of January with Dispatches to the Abettors of the American Rebellion in Great Britain and Ireland, and that the said Vessel had orders to proceed from Philadelphia to Cork, and from thence to Falmouth and London, from whence, she is to return with Intelligence of the Plans and Operations of Government; 2 I am directed by Lord George Germain to acquaint you with this very important Information, and to beg you will immediately communicate it to Lord Weymouth, and submit to his Lordship whether it may not be expedient that the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland should be Instructed to give immediate Directions that the arrival of any such Vessel at Cork, should be watched with the greatest Attention, and that upon such arrival, strict Search should be made for her Papers, and whatever may be found onboard (the Ships Papers only excepted) Seized and sent over to England. ー I am &c

J.Pownall