Hon^ble Gentlemen.—

I have recv^d a Letter from Cap^t Thompson Commander of the Rawleigh Frigate by which I find the prizes made by the two Ships consisted of

750 hhds Sugar

325 Punch^ns Rum

70 Plank Mahogany

15 Casks of Coffee and the two Ships which Capt. Nicholson tells me are 500 & 800 Tons Burden, this Property was sold for 9700 Sterling, which I take to be about ⅓ of the real value, & about ½ of what in their circumstances they ought to have been sold for; this appear'd to me such a shamefull waste of property, that I thought it my duty to signify my disapprobation of it & have written to L'orient accordingly; offering 2000 Sterling more, on your acco^t if the bargain is not past redemption; should that be accepted I will go over to L'orient [torn] some dutchmen, and send the whole as french Property to Holland.

I hope you will not think me wrong in what I have done, but it is too painfull to see such measures taken with the public Interest, to remain silent.

I have too good an opinion of M^r Gourlade to suppose he has acted improperly, but I am afraid that all concerned are not like him.¹ I have the Honour to be [&cc.]