Exeter off Deal in the Bay of Milford July 18th 1777
Sir/
Soon after I sailed from Plimouth, I received intelligence from Lieut [James] Norman of the Tender [Effort] bound to Cork, that two American Frigats and a Sloop were cruizeing off the Lands End: and next morning I chaced them, and found they were two Dutch Frigats of twenty four Guns Each, and a Cutter, who were waiting for their India Ships: they have cruized on that Station since April last, and the Cutter chaces every Ship, expecting they may be Dutch: I thought necessary to call off this Port to acquaint their Lordships with this particular circumstance, as I am sure they have given rise to the report spread, of Privateers cruizeing on our Coast. I shall keep a strict look out and pursue the Enemy where ever I get certain intelligence of their cruizeing and I am Sir [&c.]
Matt Moore
1. PRO, Admiralty 1/2120.