Sir

Please to acquaint their Lordships, that I this day arrived here with His Majesty's Ship under my Command, from a Cruize; but have not met with any American Vessel. The Account inclosed I had from a Captain Gill (a Passenger on board a Ship I met with at Sea) whose Vessel was lately taken by the Americans, on a passage from Quebec to Antigua I am Sir [&c.]

Philip Stephens Esqr Admiralty

lt A Ship Privateer of 18 Nine Poundrs, painted black & Yellow — 220 Men, Philadelphia built, No Quarter Galleries, a Woman Head; Commanded by one Weeks [Lambert Wickes].²

2d A Brig of 16 Six Poundrs & 120 Men³

3d A Sloop, which had been a Dunkirk Cutter, fitted for a Privateer. She is Sloop-rigged, has 8 three Poundrs & 12 Swivels, a Flying Topsl, Topgt Sail and Royal, and lower Studdg Sails, a green Stern and black Counter.⁴

4 A Schooner of 16 Guns, Sailed from Nantz 16 days before. Supposed to Cruize in the English Channel

The above Ship & Brig Privateers, were ready to Sail, and had Orders to Cruize between Cape Finisterre & Ushant. Many Ships are hourly expected from America, and four Ships with Tobacco, Indigo &c had lately arrived.

The Brig had taken 12 prizes, Nine she sent to Philadelphia, & three she burnt.         

H. S^t John

[Endorsed] 13 June Own rect Send Copy to the Com. Off. at Ports & Plyo with directn to furnish copies to all the Cruizers that may sail to the wd from these ports respectively.