Havana 14th of June 1777.
Don Rafael José de la Luz, Captain in the Royal Army and Military Adjutant of Havanna.
I certify that on the 10th day of this month the American privateer sloop Vixen, Captain Downham Newton2 anchored in the harbor of this Port and the Governor and Captain General ordered me to go and communicate with the Commanding Officer of our Squadron. Immediately after pratique I went on board the Sloop with an interpreter to ask the Captain from whence he had come and what had caused him to request anchorage in this Port. He replied that he had left Charleston, South Carolina, five weeks before with the intention of cruising off Cape San Antonio and to await the fleet that is expected to sail from Jamaica at this time. For this reason, he requested Water, Firewood, Bread, Chickens, Vegetables and a length of one inch Cable. I notified His Highness and, in agreement with the Commanding Officer of our Squadron, provided this assistance promptly. Thus, on the following day, the ship weighed anchor and made Sail for its destination. In this manner, the Intendent General of the Army and Royal Treasury has conveniently avoided Smuggling, and the Captain of. the said Sloop saluted the Governor and Captain General for the efficacious way in which assistance was provided.
