Sir

I request you will be so kind to inform me whether his Excellency my Lord Lieutenant has had any account horn the Lords of the Admiralty or whether the Merchants may expect a convoy for the protection of the Vessels — the want of which is very justly complain'd of by them & especially by the Linen Traders, as the Chester fair is now over & they have lost the opportunity of their Market, an hardship at present to them, but which in a short time will be severely felt by both Kingdoms.

There are several Vessels richly laden now in our Harbour outward bound for London Liverpool Parkgate & other Ports — none of which can with any safety stir for want of the long expected Convoy, and as their owners are in much anxiety I am requested in their behalf to make enquiry from his Excellency thro' you whether the Lords of the Admiralty have the safety of Ireland in contemplatn & on what hopes for protection the Merchts may futurely depend — I have the honour to be with much respect [&c.] Mayoralty House [Dublin]

7th July 1777 —