No. 66

My Lord,

I have the Honor to acquaint your Lordship that the Rebel Privateer commanded by Cunningham returned last Thursday from her Cruise, having taken and brought in a large Ship named the Three Brothers Capt. Nicolas Kelly bound from Dublin to Oporto.¹ He sailed on another Cruize the Sunday following, and has left his Prize here.

This Pirate has been at Ferrol and in this Port so long that it is almost impossible His Majesty's Ships cruising in the Bay of Biscay should not be apprized of it, yet none of them make their Appearance in this Neighbourhood, which, now the Season for the arrival of our Newfoundland Ships approaches, is resorted to more than ever by Rebel Privateers.

I humbly conceive, if Our Ships on this station were sometimes to put in here for intelligence, which they may do without any difficulty under pretext of bad weather, want of provisions, or contrary winds, that few of these piratical Vessels would escape them.²

Orders have been received in Ferrol to put all the Ships of war in that Harbour in a fit Condition to be armed at a short notice. A great number of additional workmen are employed on this Service, and new Orders for completely arming seven Ships of the Line and two Frigates are daily expected.

I must humbly beg leave to recommend myself to the Continuance of your Lordship's Protection, having the Honor to be [&c.]