My Lord,

Last week an anonymous letter was brought me, acquainting me that a Large Bark, (a description of which I have the honour to inclose Your Lordship,) was purchas'd for the Americans,² and tho' to be dispatched from hence with Genovese Colours, was to hoist American Colours at Sea, a Person being appointed to take the Command of her. I immediately applied to the Secretary of State here, who promiss'd me every step shou'd be taken to come to the truth, in the mean time the Rudder was taken off, the Vessell secur'd in the Arsenal, and the Sailors Chests rummaged but nothing found, the Secretary told me on Saturday that every precaution was taking to come to the bottom of this affair. I hear from other people she was purchased by one Alberto Causa, a Genovese Merchant here, by orders, and for account of one Fiquet of Marseilles, who was recommended to Mr Causa, by the house of Aubert of Marseilles, for twenty five thousand Livres, She was to be sent down under Genovese Colours, with Six Guns, thirty musketts, and forty Men, I am uncertain as yett if the Government here will find any proofs to stop her, if do not, and she shou'd sail, may still suspect She may be fitted out at Marseilles, wherefore I think it my Duty to acquaint Your Lordship, as I shall do of what this Government determines, and whether She sails or not.

I have the honour to be with the greatest Respect My Lord [&c.]