Corunna 20th Sept 1777.
No 63. My Lord.
I most humbly beg leave to refer to my last of the 3d Instant.
Notwithstanding the Orders that have been given respecting the Reception and Treatment of American Privateers and their Prizes in the Ports of this Kingdom, Cunningham is still permitted to remain in Ferrol, and has found Means to dispose of his Prize the Black Prince to Arnaud Faular Master of a French Brig called the Postilion de Bayonne, who has sent her to France.2 I have provided the Prisoners whom Cunningham has set at Liberty, with a Passage to Oporto, where they will find Opportunities to return home. I am sorry to see the uncommon Favor shown this Man, and the great Facility with which the aforesaid Orders are eluded. I am equally concerned to hear that in Bilboa where there are four Privateers and eleven Prizes, they are permitted to enter, remain, and fit out with as much Liberty as ever. I have the Honor to be with the most profound Respect and Veneration, My Lord [&c.]
H Katencamp
[Endorsed] R 13 October
1. PRO, State Papers 94/204, 212.
2. "Narrative of the proceedings of Captain Gustavus Conyngham, Commander of Cutter Revenge, 1777-1779," states:
as she could not be sold at that Port she was ordered to Bayonne under French Colours where she arrived — it was discovered that she was a Prize and ordered out of Port — she proceeded to' St John de Luce [St. Jean-de-Luz] which is a free Port — there she discharged her Cargo which was put on board small Vessels & carried back to Bayonne — The American Commissioners were fully advised respecting this Vessel
Henry Laurens Papers, Box 24, SCHS.
