My Lord

Having this moment received by Express a Letter from Mr [Samuel] Martin dated at Whitehaven the 26th instant, giving an account that the Rebel Privatiers Reprisal of 18 Guns, Lexington of 16 Guns, and Dolphin of 10 Guns (which, according to other information we have received, sailed lately from France) came round the West of Ireland, and upon the 19th instant took off the Mull of Cantire the several Vessels therein mentioned, some of which they sunk and of the others had sent some to America, and some to France; and that they were themselves returning to France to get a fresh Supply of People; We send your Lordship herewith a Copy of Mr Martin's said Letter for His Majesty's information, and beg leave to observe that if the American Privatiers continue to fit out in the Ports of France, and to carry their Prizes thither, it will not be in the power of this Board to give that protection to the Trade of His Majesty's Subjects which they will stand in need of, while so large a number of His Majesty's Ships are employed in North America We are My Lord [&c.]