River Kennebeck, Sept 5th 1777.
May it please your Excellency
By this Conveyance I with Pleasure inform your Excellency that we arrived here yesterday Evening, in Company with the Weymouth, a Ship from Jamaica bound to London as a Packet, she is what is called a Sloop of War in the English Navy, pierced for 18 but mounting 14 Guns, six pounders, besides Swivels, Cohorns, &c. a fine new Ship about eight Months off the Stocks, and compleatly fitted in every Respect for War — She had on board a Number of Passengers, among whom is Capt [William] Judd, of the Antelope Man of War — This Ship we captured off the Western Islands, on the 28th of July, since which we have been homeward bound — Before the Capture of the Weymouth, we sent in a Brig from Cork bound to Newfoundland, under the Command of Mr [Jonathan] Woodworth,2 and a Ship from Quebec to Oporto, under Command of Mr [Sherman] Lewis,3 which I hope have both arrived safe. I propose to send the Prisoners to Boston by Land to-morrow, and shall take all prudent Care to follow with the Ship as soon as Circumstances will permit. — I shall direct the Prisoners to Mr Elliot, who will inform your Excelleacy, when you will act your Pleasure with Regard to their Disposal. I have the Honor to be [&c.]
N B. I must beg your Excellency will not make this Public, as there are a Number of Cruisers between this and Boston who perhaps may get Intelligence.
