Gentlemen

We have the Satisfaction to inform you of the arrival in this Road of two Continental Fregattes one the Rolly of 32 Guns Cap^n. Thompson the other Alfred Cap^n: Hindman of 20 Guns both sailed from Portsmouth y^e: 22^d. of August last. they have brought under our Island of Groix two Jamaica Men belonging to London taken at the mouth of the channell one

the Jamaican Capn. David Watts the Anna & Suzannah Johnson.

Both loaded together of

657. Hogsheads of Brown Sugar

210. Tierçons Idem

215. Punchon of Brandy or Rum

3. Bales of Cotton & five Hogs heads of Coffee

one is a three Decker mounting 16 Six Pounders.

Commodore Thompson has no Dispatches from y^e. States for you only a private letter for procuring Guns which since Cap^n. Thompson has had; he will forward it to you next post, being just come on shore too late to write any particulars. Cap^n. Thompson Brings no news the fleet of admiral Howe was at sea y^e: last account was he was standing to y^e: Southward and no appearance of his going to Boston.

300 Royalists had been killed at fort Standwick and y^e: Commander S^r. J^n: Johnson had been Slain.

Cap^n: Thompson had taken a Schooner from Newyork bound to halifax. Letters and prints give the same account of the Fleet. nobody Knew where they were gone to. the date was of 18^th: august and will be forwarded to you next post.

These fregattes have several wants of Cables Ankers Sails Ballast^g. of Iron, Guns, and several other things which we will Provide them with having declared them in such a manner as to avoid trouble, they want likely to be graved, and it will do well you have the aprobation of the Minister that difficulties may not be Started.

We will do our best for the Prizes, and dispose of them as soon as possible as they stand before the answer of the court, or any aplication can be made from y^e. Court of England or the owners and will acquaint you with our progress. We have the honor to be [&c.]

L, CtHi, Silas Deane Papers. Addressed: “To/the Honble Commissioners/ of the United States of/America/Paris"; and at foot of last page: “Mess^rs. Franklin Deane & Lee & Arthur Lee." Docketed: "Messrs: Gourlarde Berard & Montplaisir/6^th. Oct" 1777." ​