[Extract]
No 50:

. . . I have received Accounts from some of the Ports, of the Orders which have been issued with regard to American Ships, being received there; and apprehending that the enclosed Copy of them is authentic, I remit it, together with it's Translation to your Lordship. G: Cunningham with his Privateer the Revenge has been at Ferrol, and at the Coruna, and the last prize which he had taken called the Black Prince. Thomas Evans Master, of Plymouth, likewise came into Ferrol, upon which both were immediately ordered out of that Port; but Cunningham had re­mained there for some days. I have communicated this Circumstance to M. Florida blanca, as I shall every other event of the like Nature, in order that the Measures taken, may not be eluded, & that they may be as ex­tensive as possible. . . .

[Enclosure]

Translation

Advices received from France and England give reason to suspect that certain Captains of American Privateers purpose to make an ill use of the King's Ports, by entering into them with prizes, with a view to dispose of them by Sale. As the System adopted & constantly pursued by His Majesty with respect to the said Americans, has been that of a perfect Neutrality, without countenancing any abuses or Disorders inconsistent with it, as is manifest from the orders dispatched upon these Affairs from the beginning; I now communicate to you the Advices above mentioned in order that in the Ports under your Jurisdiction, you may prevent these Excesses & others of a Similar Nature, such as the Entry of those Privateers or their Stay without legitimate Cause in order to watch the Opportunity of taking Prizes. Nevertheless this Order is not intended to introduce any Novelty as to the Admission of such American Vessels as come to carry on a legal Commerce, or may be driven by Weather or for want of Necessaries to seek a Port. But immediately upon their being repaired or assisted, it shall be intimated to such as are Ship's of War or Privateers that they quit the Port without delay, nor shall they be permitted to sell their Prizes. Observing at the same time that what I have said with regard to the treatment of American Privateers, is to be understood of all others whatever, in order that nobody may make an ill Use of the Territory of Spain.