I believe during no Time last War were the People on this Coast half so frightened as they have been lately on the Appearance of the American Privateers. An Express was sent off to our Lord Lieutenant, Sir James Lowther, to call out the Militia for the Defence of the Coast, as they were apprehensive the Americans would land; to which Sir James sent Word that he would immediately call out the Militia, and that it might be as little detrimental to the County as possible, he would divide the Time, and fix the first Fortnight now, and the other after Harvest. Three Companies are accordingly stationed here, viz. one at Workington, one at Mary Port, and one at Cockermouth. Sir James has also sent us the following Letter, which he received from the Admiralty, and has put us into Heart:

Admiralty Office, July 12, 1777. 

Sir,

I have laid before my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty the Memorial of the Inhabitants of Whitehaven, setting forth their Alarm at the American Privateers having taken and destroyed several Ships near their Coast, and desiring Protection for their Trade. I am commanded by their Lordships to acquaint you, for the Information of the Gentlemen of Whitehaven, that they have sent a Line of Battle Ship and a Sloop in quest of these Privateers, and that a Frigate will be forthwith sent off that Port to cruise for the Protection of the Trade of his Majesty's Subjects in those Parts.

Ph. Stephens.

To Sir J. Lowther, Bart.