Sir

I am to acknowledge the receipt of two Letters from you of the 2^d. Instant, acquainting me that their Lordships have given Captain Hartwell of the Blenheim fourteen days further Leave of Absence from his Duty on his private Affairs; and signifying their Lordships direction to me, to enquire whether any of the Prisoners taken in the Lexington Rebel Privatier, and brought into Plymouth by the Alert Cutter, are French Men; and if they are, how many; Also to enquire and let their Lordships know how many French Men were on board her at the beginning of the Action with the Alert,¹ in answer to which, I am to acquaint you that upon enquiry from the Clerk and examination of the Alert's Books, as well as the confession of the Captain of the Privatier, I find there were Twenty one French Men on board the latter at the beginning of the Action, two of whom were kill'd in it, and that the remaining nineteen are committed to Mill Prison; a List of the Names of whom accompanies this.² I am [&c.]