Medway in Gibraltar Bay
22d August 1777
No 1
Sir,
I send you enclosed for the information of my Lords Commissrs of the Admiralty Copies of two Letters that were found on board two American Vessels taken by the Levant:2 they are both address'd to Messrs Duff & Welch who are British Subjects, & Merchants at Cadiz, and seem to carry on mutual Correspondence with the Rebels of America (as I apprehend) contrary to Law. In the Letter dated 2d June,3 are found the names of John Bailey of Liverpool & Alexr Elmsley of London who seem likewise to hold correspondence with the said Rebels. You will please to lay these Letters before their Lordships, as I judge they will not think this notice of the behaviour of English Merchants unnecessary.
The Vessels that have been taken by His Majestys Ships under my Command are few in number and (except the Argo) of inconsiderable value; they are as follows, Vizt
Ship Aurora, Jacob Getsheues, Master 350 tons; with Wheat and Flour.
Ship Belville, John Cunningham, Master 250 tons; Staves & Bees Wax.
Schooner Polly, John Briggs, Master, 58 tons; Fish.
Ship Argo, Thomas Mackenzie, Master 200 Tons. Rice and Indigo.
Brig General Montgomery, Ben. Hill, Commr 180 tons, 18 Guns, 87 Men, A privateer.
Schooner Gorham, James Davis, Master 85 tons. Rice.
Sloop Centurion, Thos Folger, Master 86 tons. Staves.
Schooner Betsy, Wm Le Cras, Master 65 tons. Fish.
I am Sir [&c.]
[Endorsed] R 19 Sepr Asd 13 Octr Send Copies to Lord Geo Germn for H M information.
