[Extract]

Dear Sir

... I find the two prizes¹ are not yet delivered up, and from what Williams told me few days since they will not

Cap^t: Young² who arrived here, some time since brought in with him á Vessell which he took on his passage from America to france, this Vessell was disposed of before any person knew of same, without the least noise whatever, the money was paid immediately, in this way they mean to proceed in future, in order to deceive your Court, and in which manner they are encouraged and advised by the French

This Vessell left America the twelfth of August, at which time there was in the Deliware and Chesopeak upwards of Sixty Sail of Merchandmen ready loaded, all which must fall into the hands of Lord Howe, if the Army advances towards Philadelphia—Amongst the Number of these Vessells are Seven or eight frenchmerchantmen, who have been waiting some time past for proper Season to leave the American Coast by which detention I hope they may fall into your hands—

The Affair between Morris & the Commissioners here, has not a little humbled their pride—they have promised never to mention any thing to the Congress concerning him in future—

Two Continental Ships of War,³ are Arrived in the Port of L’Orient—they are the same which had the Engagement with his Majestys Ship the Druid Coming from the Leeward Islands—with the fleet under their Convoy, they brought in with them two Vessells⁴ which they took out of said fleet, and which was sold for nine thousand six hundred pounds Sterling, which Ships are fitting out with all expedition, and mean for sea immediately, these Vessells left America, with two hundred men Short of their Complement also Cannon, &c &c

The Cap^t: Green who I mentiond to you some time since, has a Ship⁵ of 24 Six pounder which he means to proceed to America with, this Vessell will be richly loaded—and Sail in about 3 Weeks. ... I am [&c.]