Sir

You will Please to acquaint My Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty of the return of His Majestys Ship under my Command into Plymouth Sound and lay before them the lnclosed Journal of my Proceedings, in Execution of their Lordships orders of the 23rd May; And also Inform them that having chased several Vessels within sight of Bell Isle, I fell in with a French Frigate of 32 Guns, who appeared evidently to be cruizing off that Place.

And upon my return on Thursday the 26th June Ushant being in sight and bearing SW distance 6 Leagues I saw four sail to the NE their Manoeuvres soon convinced me, three of them were Rebel Privateers, who taking us probably for an India Man intended to attack us. Upon discovery of their Mistake, they Separated, a Ship of 18 Guns edged towards the Coast of France; a large Brig of 16 Guns hauled to the Southward; and a large Cutter kept to the Northward; The other, a Large Snow which they had taken, threw herself readyly in our way, a willing Sacrifice to draw our attention from the others. I continued in Chase of the Ship from 9 In the Morning 'till 9 at Night, and came up with her fast, but not having the good Fortune to carry any thing away, by several Shot which struck her, and being close into the French Shore, not far distant from the Rocks to the Eastward of Les Sept Isles, no Pilot on Board; Night coming on, and the appearance of squally weather, The safety of His Majestys Ship obliged me to relinquish the certain prospect of taking her; had the distance been but a few Leagues further. We plainly saw her throw her Guns over-Board, and many other things to lighten her, and I apprehend she is gone into St Maloes to refit, as I saw nothing of her, when I appeared off the next day. I send a Description of the Ship and Brigg for their Lordships information. I am Sir [&c.]

[Enclosure]

Ship Privateer mounting Eighteen Carriage Guns, The aftermost Gun as far forward as the after part of the Main Chains, Her Stern Painted Black & Yellow, the Mouldings upon the Quarters Painted White, a Black side No Quarter Gallerys a Figure Head, Three Top Gallant Yards and three long Mast Heads, for Royals, Main Top Gallant Sail and Fore Studding Sail looks blacker than the other Sails, Her English Colours a Deep Red —

A Brigg Privateer mounting Sixteen Guns two Top Gallant Yards and Royals, Her Royals much Whiter than the Top Gallant Sails, a Square Tuck is Painted Yellow, and a low round Stern Painted Lead Colour, Black Sides & Yellow Mouldings² —

[Endorsed] 2 July Send Copy to Lord Weymo[uth] for H M informtn