No 20/

I am to acquaint your Excellency that application has been made to me respecting the Juno, a Vessel taken by an american Privateer and carried into Bilbao. I inclose to your Excellency the particulars that I have been transmitted, and am to recommend to you to use your utmost endeavours to recover this Vessel for the Owners.

There is reason to apprehend that two Vessels from Jamaica bound to London have been taken and may probably bealso sent to Bilbao, you will please to make enquiry into the fact and use such proper means as may enable the owners to recover them.

Your Letters to No 44, and those by Mann have been received and shall speedily be taken into Consideration. I am &c

[Enclosure]

Messrs John & Thos Fry
Sirs

Poole 17th Augt 1777

I wait'd to thank you for your civilities, in hopes to have said the Juno is arrived at one time, but am now sorry to inform you, that this day I recd a letter from Capt Barns advising me that on 19th Ult Latt 50. .30 N & Long. 13. .0 W he was taken by a Rebel Brig² —— Gid­dings Mastr of 14 Carriage. & 10 Swivel Guns & carried into Bilboa & believes the Vessell &Cargo is to be sold there.³ The Captain & Crew are coming home in a Spanish Vessell. Your advice how to act in re­gard of protesting &c &c &c will much oblige me & am with respects to Mrs Fry & yourselves [&c.]

John H Slade

P.S. I am not certain the quantity of her Lading but presume can't be more than 80 Tons